Serena Williams to face Maria Sharapova in US Open first round

Serena Williams will play Maria Sharapova in the first round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows in New York.

The sporting giants haven't contested a match since the Australian Open quarter-final of 2016. 

In fact, they were supposed to meet at the French Open last year but Williams pulled out citing a pectoral injury. 

Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka will play Anna Blinkova of Russia, while Britain's Johanna Konta faces Daria Kasatkina of Russia.

Elsewhere in the men's draw, Spain's Rafael Nadal will play Australian John Millman while Novak Djokovic begins his title defence against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.

Roger Federer is set to face a qualifier.