Rafael Nadal will begin the quest for the US Open title he’s never won as the Spanish top-seed faces a first round clash with Russia’s Teymuraz Gabashvili.
Nadal, a semifinalist at the last two editions at Flushing Meadows, has yet to lift the trophy in New York, special preserve of rival Roger Federer, who bids for his sixth title in seven appearances with a start against Argentine Brian Dabul.
Federer will be aiming for his seventh straight final after losing the 2009 title match in a 6-2 final set against Juan Del Potro, recovering from wrist surgery months ago and unable to defend his title when play begins on Monday.
Australian Lleyton Hewitt squeezed onto the 32nd and final men’s seeding, which could pit him against Federer during the opening week.
Should Federer’s progress continue, he could face a quarterfinal with two-time Roland Garros finalist Robin Soderling, the fifth seed, in the quarterfinals and the possibility of third-seed Novak Djokovic in the semis.
Andy Murray, seeded fourth begins with Slovak Lukas Lacko. Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych faces an opening match with Frenchman Michael Llodra.
The women’s draw is wide open, with 2009 finalist Caroline Wozniacki and holder Kim Clijsters heading the seedings in the injury absence of Serena Williams.
Wozniacki starts with American wildcard Chelsey Gullickson, while Clijsters will test a recent hip complaint against Greta Arn of Hungary.
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