CONTENDERS IN NEW YORK

When the US Open kicks off on Monday, all eyes will focus on Serena Williams. Though the American is the top draw, fans can also get to see other favourites in action:

When: August 31-September 13 Where: New York Surface: Hard court

WOMEN’S SINGLES

1 SERENA WILLIAMS USA The American is hoping to win her 22nd Major for a calendar Slam to equal Steffi Graf’s Open Era record

2 SIMONA HALEP Romania Aiming for her first Grand Slam singles title

3 MARIA SHARAPOVA Russia Hoping to stop Serena in the semis if there are no upsets

4 CAROLINE WOZNIAKCI Denmark Last year’s finalist is eager to win her first Major

5 PETRA KVITOVA Czech Republic Aims to better record here, where she’s yet to make the last-four stage

IN THE FRAY

Venus Williams may be seeded 23rd but one can never rule her out.

Victoria Azarenka has made the finals twice (2012-13) but is hoping to go one step better this time.

MEN’S SINGLES

NOVAK DJOKOVIC Serbia Aiming for his second US Open title, his first coming in 2011, and the 10th Major overall

ROGER FEDERER Switzerland Hoping to make the final here, for the first time since 2009

ANDY MURRAY Great Britain The 2012 champion is looking for a third Grand Slam title on his resume

KEI NISHIKORI Japan Aims to convert last year’s runner-up finish to winner this year

STAN WAWRINKA Switzerland After winning the French Open, wants to end the year on a high

IN THE FRAY

Marin Cilic is the defending champion and could prove to be a dark horse.

Rafa Nadal hasn’t been in form but one can never predict what the eighth-seeded Spaniard can do.