The curtain rises on the US Open this Sunday as the tennis elite converge on Flushing Meadows for the season's climactic Grand Slam tournament.

Defending men's champion Carlos Alcaraz begins his title defense against Roman Safiullin, seeking another deep run in New York.

Meanwhile, the women's draw delivers immediate fireworks as veteran icon Venus Williams clashes with former champion Sofia Kenin in a marquee, all-American showdown.