NEW YORK (AP) — The curtain goes up on the US Open’s two-week run in New York today.

The way-off Broadway production stars Serena Williams in her dual roles as top-seed and defending champ. Her credits include 16 major titles including four at the Open.

Williams steps into the spotlight as part of the night schedule against 2010 French Open winner Francesca Schiavone (fran-CHES’-kuh skee-ah-VOH’-nay).

The day 1 supporting cast includes second-seed Rafael Nadal (rah-fay-EHL’ nah-DAHL’) who seems to have overcome a season-long battle with injuries by going 10-0 in hard court matches heading into the tournament. Nadal takes on American Ryan Harrison as part of the matinee.