Five-times defending champion Roger Federer and Russia's Dinara Safina have been named the top seeds in the upcoming U.S. Open which starts next Monday, the U.S. Tennis Association said on Tuesday.
Swiss mogul Federer, winner of the French Open and Wimbledon this season, is the top seed at the U.S. Open for the fifth time.
The 28-year-old Federer, who has won four titles this year, became the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam following his breakthrough triumph at Roland Garros in June.
The Swiss is seeded ahead of number two Andy Murray, Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal at number three, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Roddick.
Djokovic was the runner-up to Federer in the 2007 Open while Roddick won the 2003 Open for his only major title so far.
Safina is followed by number two seed and defending champion Serena Williams, her sister Venus Williams at number three, 2008 Beijing Olympics singles gold medallist Elena Dementieva and 2008 U.S. Open runner-up Jelena Jankovic.
The 11-time major champion Serena Williams has won three of the last four Grand Slams on the WTA Tour.
Former U.S. Open champ Maria Sharapova, who took 10 months off following major shoulder surgery, is seeded 29th.
The draw for the two-week event will be announced on Thursday.
(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2009)
