US Open main draw revealed publicly for first time

It's not every day you get to witness history, or the making of the US Open draw. But on Friday in Seaport (tucked away near the bottom of Manhattan), for the first time ever, the general public got to watch Angelique Kerber and Marin Cilic create the 2017 US Open draws.

On Thursday, Seaport was transformed into a modified version of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center complete with a replica of the Unisphere on one end and a performance stage and court at the other. Over the span of two days, visitors have been treated to Net Generation clinics, player appearances, autograph signings, photo opportunities, food tastings and musical performances.

“The US Open is one of New York’s great events, and we are now bringing that excitement, energy and experience to Manhattan,” said Katrina Adams, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “US Open Fan Week, with all its free activities now expands the fun and excitement for fans beyond Queens for the first time."

The draw has created some incredible opening round block blusters, most notably No. 2 seed Simona Halep taking on wildcard Maria Sharapova.

Defending champion Angelique Kerber has a big challenge on her hands in Naomi Osaka.

On the men's side, most fans are frothing for a chance to see Rafael Nadal face Roger Federer (somehow they've never played in New York). The rivals won't face each other before the semifinals. Federer will take part in a mini-blockbuster when he opens against American hopeful Frances Tiafoe