Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner are the players to beat as the U.S. Open singles competition is set to begin on Monday.

(Reuters) -Defending champion Jannik Sinner, who has been recovering from illness, received a more favourable route to the U.S. Open final than Carlos Alcaraz while Aryna Sabalenka will be tested in her bid to retain her title after the draw was made on Thursday.

The US Open ranks as one of the most highly anticipated sports events of the year, and for good reason: How many other events pair 120-mph serves, grunts that reverberate around the stadium, and surprising celebrity sightings (hello, Traylor )?

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will face potential difficult American opponents when they begin their quest for another U.S. Open title.

The following are some of the other contenders for the women's singles title at the U.S. Open, which begins on Sunday: JESSICA PEGULA (UNITED STATES) *World ranking: 4 Last year's U.S. Open runner-up will be eager to go one better but a shock French Open loss to wildcard Lois Boisson and a first-round Wimbledon exit has done little to help her confidence.

American tennis star Jessica Pegula talks to CNN Sports about playing at the US Open and being cheered on at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The US Open singles draw runs from August 24 to September 7. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond. Interview: Aryna Sabalenka is using wearable technology to transform her game. Interview: Madison Keys talks Nasal Strips in tennis, 2025 WTA season, and US Open.

When the court lights flicker on at the U.S. Open, tennis stars shine under illumination designed to cut light pollution.

For better or for worse, definitely for richer, and for who knows how long, the reimagined, star-spangled U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament gets underway Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.