The players came out to the ATP Newport draw ceremony to kick off the start of grass season in the US Here, John Isner, David Goffin, Olivier Rochus, and Milos Raonic posed for pics.

As the defending champion, John Isner addressed a few words to the crowd. He drew a qualifier in the first round but is due to play Mahut in the second round. It is a fundamental law that you cannot have a grass tournament with Isner and Mahut in the draw and not have the possibility of their playing each other.

Olivier Rochus, Milos Raonic, and Kei Nishikori did their best to pretend they were listening while John was talking. Rochus will play Soeda in his first round match, Raonic will face Matthew Ebden, and Nishikori gets Sjisling.

I think this is the first time that Nishikori has played Newport. He did well at Wimbledon, and he should have a good tournament here.

It was a great kick off to the event. This is one of the strongest draws that the tournament has ever had. If you have a chance, definitely come down to Newport this week to check out some great tennis!

Check out more pics from the party at our Facebook page.

(Pictures via Racquet Required)