2011 champs Novak Djokovic and Samantha Stosur will make a cameo as the 2012 U.S. Open Draw Ceremony will take place today at 12 p.m. ET.
Djokovic will look to repeat as the men's champion this year, but he will have to go through Roger Federer, who has been on a roll this year and won the Wimbledon 2012 title, which was the most recent Grand Slam title players battled for. Andy Murray is still chasing after his first Grand Slam title and has been on a tear as the 2012 Olympic gold medalist in London.
Australian and defending champion Stosur comes into the U.S. Open ranked 5th amongst the women. Serena Williams is ranked fourth, but has performed like the No. 1 as she has suddenly become the toughest female player in the past two months. She took gold at the 2012 Olympics right after capturing the Wimbledon title.
As you have heard, Nadal will not be joining the competition as he was forced to withdrawal from competition due to an injured knee he is recovering from.
Kim Clijsters of Germany and three-time U.S. Open champion will make her last appearance on a competitive tennis court as she has announced her retirement.
The U.S. Open will take place in Queens, N.Y. from August 27th until September 9th.
Click here to watch the 2012 U.S. Open Draw live.
