With the final Grand Slam event approaching, the draw is out and the first round has its share of interesting men's matches. The women's draw has fewer compelling challenges early.

Given the balance of men's tennis, there are more potential surprises in the earlier rounds. There are dangerous floaters like Greg Rusedski, Mark Philippoussis, Todd Martin and Richard Krajicek, who are all capable of scoring early surprises. Rusedski, who recently won the event in Indianapolis, isn't seeded and could face top-seed Lleyton Hewitt in the second round. Rusedski upset Hewitt at Indianapolis.

Here's a look at some first-round matches to keep an eye on:

Men's draw
Marat Safin (2) vs. Nicolas Kiefer
Safin has been bothered by more injury woes, making this an interesting challenge. Kiefer has been respectable in recent losses to Andy Roddick (Cincinnati) and Sebastian Grosjean (quarterfinals at Indianapolis). Kiefer made the U. S. Open quarterfinals in 2000.

	Marat Safin has struggled recently with injuries.

Juan Carlos Ferrero (7), Spain, vs. Wayne Arthurs, Australia
This is a rematch of a recent battle; Ferrero beat Arthurs 6-4, 7-6 in the quarterfinals at Cincinnati. Arthurs made the round of 16 at Wimbledon and can make noise at big events with his serve. The Australian lost in the first round to Guillermo Canas at last year's Open.

Jiri Novak (14), Czech Republic, vs. Richard Krajicek, Netherlands
Now that Krajicek has played a few matches after recovering from elbow surgery, he is capable of scoring a surprise here. He made the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open in his past two appearances. Let's not forget about his appearance in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon this year. It won't be easy against a steady player like Novak.

Younes El-Aynaoui (20), Morocco vs. Jeff Morrison, United States
After being the last American standing at Wimbledon, Morrison has struggled lately. He lost in the first round at Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Long Island. At least he will have the fans behind him in Flushing.

Gaston Gaudio (21), Argentina, vs. Todd Martin, United States
At 32, Martin has had some of his best success at the U.S. Open in recent years. He made the finals in 1999 and the semis in 2000. Martin lost to Tommy Robredo in the second round at last year's Open. The Argentine has never gotten past the first round at the U.S. Open. History favors the American.

Marcelo Rios (22), Chile, vs. Jonas Bjorkman, Sweden
Bjorkman has won his first round match at the U.S. Open nine straight years. Rios last lost an opening round match there in 1995. Something's got to give and these veterans should put on a good show.

Sjeng Schalken (24), Netherlands vs. Mark Philippoussis, Australia
The Scud has not been the same since knee surgery. At least Philippoussis doesn't have to play Richard Krajicek (the Aussie lost to him at Wimbledon and Cincinnati this year). Philppoussis lost in the first round at Indianapolis to Rainier Schuettler in two tiebreakers. Schalken has made the third round of the U. S. Open each of the past two years. Remember the Wimbledon quarterfinals, when he took Hewitt to five sets?

Juan Ignacio Chela (26), Argentina, vs. Felix Mantilla, Spain
This may not be a match most Americans would care about, but it should be very competitive. Mantilla made the finals at Indianapolis.

Women's draw
Serena Williams (1), United States, vs. Corina Morariu, United States
This match will draw interest for two reasons -- Serena is No. 1 in the world, and Morariu is in her first Grand Slam singles match since her recovery from leukemia. Morariu is better known for her doubles play.

	Corina Morariu received an award after her comeback from cancer.

Lisa Raymond (21), United States, vs. Jennifer Hopkins, United States,
Why is this interesting? They met last year at the U.S. Open in the second round, and Raymond won in a rout, dropping just three games. Expect a closer match this time.

Iva Majoli (24), Croatia, vs. Ashley Harkleroad, United States,
The young American figures to make some noise in the future. She lost in the first round last year (6-0 in the third set against Meilen Tu). Harkleroad should put up a good fight here.

Paola Suarez (32), Argentina, vs. Mary Pierce, France
Suarez is known for her doubles play and she has lost in the first round of the U.S. Open singles each of the past two years. Can Pierce regain some of her old magic after sitting out last year's Open?

Howie Schwab is a coordinating producer for ESPN.