Kiwi number one Marina Erakovic has been handed a very tough assignment in the first round of the US Open, being pitted up against second seed Simona Halep.
Halep recently lost in the final of the Cincinnati Masters to Serena Williams but has two WTA titles this season (Dubai and Indian Wells).
Erakovic advanced to the second round of the US Open last year, her best performance at the grand slam, but has had three straight first round exits at the grand slam events this year.
Halep, who made the French Open final last year, has reached as far as the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
