Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are set to clash in the first feature match at the US Open.
Serena and Sharapova are two of the most recognisable faces in women's tennis and will open the evening session at Arthur Ashe stadium.
The showdown between the two champions is one of the most anticipated matches this year at the US Open, and is even expected to overshadow other high-profile matches.
The six-time US Open champion has set her eyes on a record-equalling 24th career grand slam title, the all-time record held by Margaret Court. Serena has a 19-2 record against Sharapova, who won her lone SU Open title in 2006. The Russian last beat Serena in 2004.
Last year's US Open winner Naomi Osaka told reporters that everyone was going to watch the match. “Of course I'm going to watch it. I know you all are going to watch it. I think everyone in New York is going to watch it.”
“At every Grand Slam there is always some sort of drama. You know what I mean? Like a first round... So this match just happens to be that for this tournament,” Osaka said.
Serena and Sharapova have not played each other since the 2016 Australian Open. They were to clash in the fourth round of last year's French Open, but the 23-time champion had to withdraw due to injury.
Five-time grand slam winner Sharapova, who is now 87th in the rankings mainly due to injuries, is still expected to give Serena a run for her money.
