In Pictures: The Kings and Queens of Flushing Meadows

American Serena Williams has usually faired well on home soil. She has four U.S. Open titles to her name, the latest coming just last year against Victoria Azarenka. The world number one will be runaway favourite this time round after a great year despite her early Wimbledon exit.

Novak Djokovic claimed his first U.S. Open title in 2011 against Spaniard Rafael Nadal. The Serbian will be pumped to end his season with another win at Flushing Meadows after losing out to Murray at Wimbledon. A strong performance will help ensure he keeps hold of his world number one ranking.

Australia(***)s Sam Stosur was the surprise winner in 2011. She claimed the biggest win of her career against American Serena Williams. Here she waves to the crowd before receiving the keys to the city of the Gold Coast from mayor Ron Clarke during a welcome home ceremony.

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return against Ryan Harrison of the U.S. during their match at the BNP Paribas Open ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells

In 2010, Rafael Nadal was king of New York. In fact, 2010 was the Spaniard(***)s year with victory in three of the four majors - at the French, U.S. and Wimbledon. Now fully recovered from injury, Nadal will be looking to add the U.S. title to the French title he won earlier this year.

Kim Clijsters from Belgium and her daugh

She(***)s retired now but Kim Clijsters has fond memories of Flushing Meadows. The Belgian came back from a career break to win the U.S. title in 2009 and 2010, before hanging up her racket for good. Here she is pictured with daughter Jada after her 2010 win.

Juan Martin Del Potro (R) from Argentina

When it comes to the men(***)s draw, there have been five different winners over the last five years. Something quite unusual in the world of majors, where Nadal dominates France, Djokovic loves Australia and Federer is hard to beat at Wimbledon. But in 2009 there was a shock. The winner was a Juan Martin Del Potro (R) - the last player out of the top four to win a grand slam.

Tennis player Roger Federer from Switzer

And five years ago it was the tennis king of our era - Roger Federer - who blasted himself to U.S. Open victory. It was the last of five consecutive wins at Flushing Meadows, a remarkable feat from the Swiss great. Can he add another one? Or are grand slams past the ageing legend?

And it was the queen of our tennis era - Serena Williams - who joined Roger Federer as U.S. Open winner in 2008. Her chances of another victory are far greater than Federer(***)s but Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka will be snapping at her heels. Let the games begin!