The US Open is back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre for it’s 136th edition.

Australia’s top guns will join the world’s best on the hard courts in New York from Monday, August 29 for the final grand slam of the year – and there are intriguing storylines aplenty.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic continues his quest to become the greatest of all time as he aims to defend his 2015 US Open title and claim his 13th major.

Standing in his way in in-form Brit Andy Murray, a resurgent Rafael Nadal and the sport’s fast-rising next generation such as Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Australia’s own Nick Kyrgios.

Buoyed by a stellar season, and fresh off his second ATP Tour victory in Atlanta, Kyrgios is at a career-high ranking (world no.18) and will be the 14th seed at Flushing Meadows. Countryman and fellow top 20 star Bernard Tomic also looks poised to make his mark.

In the women’s draw, world No.1 Serena Williams chases her 23rd grand slam title, but the American will be coming in without having played a match since her early exit at the Rio Olympics.

Aussie 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur is the 16th seed for the tournament and her hopes will be boosted by the absence of world no.7 Victoria Azarenka who is out of action while expecting her first child.