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Nadal named top seed for US Open

20/08/2008

Rafael Nadal will be the top seed at a grand slam event for the first time in his career after being handed the honour for the US Open next week.

The Spaniard overhauled Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings on Monday, ending the Swiss star's 237-week stay at the summit of the standings.

And, as a result, he will begin the competition at Flushing Meadows as the slight favourite - despite openly admitting the hard court is his least favourite tennis surface.

Britain's Andy Murray, who has been in good form in recent months but disappointed at the Beijing Olympics last week, has been seeded sixth – his highest-ever seeding at a grand slam.

The top American in the draw is former world number one Andy Roddick, who is at number eight, with countryman James Blake the only other US seed at nine.

In the women's event world number one Ana Ivanovic is the top seed, with Jelena Jankovic second and last year's runner up Svetlana Kuznetsova third.

The reigning champion Justine Henin will not compete after retiring from the sport earlier this season.