Top 5 Photos, August 23: Federer frenzy at US Open; media day blitz

The last major of the year is only three days away, and Thursday's draw reveal has fans thrilled for the two weeks of action-packed play. Top players appeared at the US Open's media day, while a group of ATP players continued to battle it out in Winston-Salem.

1. Roger Federer signed autographs for fans in between his media day commitments. The 20-time Grand Slam winner will face a qualifier in the opening round and could potentially run into reigning champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. The two recently faced off in the Wimbledon final, which the Swiss lost after failing to convert two championship points.

Getty Images

2. Defending champion Naomi Osaka said she was feeling confident ahead of her title defense. Osaka was worried after she suffered a knee injury in Cincinnati, where she retired down 0-2 in the third set against Sofia Kenin, but stated that her health is improving and practices are going well. Osaka will face world No. 93 Anna Blinkova to begin her campaign.

Getty Images

3. Rafael Nadal was all smiles at's media day—after all, no fellow Big 3 members are in his half of the draw. The three-time US Open champion will face John Millman, who stunned Federer a year ago in New York, in his opener. Capturing a record-extending 35th Masters 1000 title in Montreal, his lone tournament tune-up, the No. 2 seed is well-rested and prepared for the last major of the year.

Getty Images

4. World No. 38 Denis Shapovalov will take the court a second time Friday after defeating Russian Andrey Rublev, 6-3, 7-6 (4), in a Winston-Salem quarterfinal that was pushed back a day due to inclement weather. The 20-year-old will battle Hubert Hurkacz, who topped Frances Tiafoe in three sets, for a ticket into the final. The Canadian will play compatriot Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round of the US Open.

Getty Images

5. Ashleigh Barty missed an opportunity to regain her world No. 1 status when she was knocked out by Svetlana Kuznetsova in Cincinnati's semifinals. At Flushing Meadows, the Australian will attempt to dethrone Osaka and find the same form that led to a first Grand Slam singles crown at the French Open. Barty will face Zarina Diyas to open her title bid.

Getty Images

Wake up every morning with Tennis Channel Live at the US Open, starting at 8 a.m. ET. For three hours leading up to the start of play, Tennis Channel's team will break down upcoming matches, review tournament storylines and focus on everything Flushing Meadows.

Tennis Channel's encore, all-night match coverage will begin every evening at 11 p.m. ET, with the exception of earlier starts on Saturday and Sunday of championship weekend.