Djokovic, Nadal drawn for potential US Open semi-final clash

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and fellow two-time champion Rafael Nadal were drawn for a potential US Open semi-final clash on Friday.

Djokovic, the top seed, begins his campaign against big-serving Jerzy Janowicz of Poland while Nadal faces Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan in his first round match.

Second seed Andy Murray, the 2012 winner, starts against Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic.

The two clashed in an angry match in Munich last year where Murray described Rosol as one of the most hated players on the tour.

In the women’s draw, Serena Williams, bidding for a seventh US Open title and an Open era record 23rd Grand Slam, begins her campaign against experienced Ekaterina Makarova of Russia.

Makarova, the world number 36, reached the semi-finals in 2014, losing to the American in straight sets.

But she beat Williams in the round of 16 at the Australian Open in 2012.