World number one Roger Federer will begin his battle for the fourth consecutive title at Flushing Meadows against a qualifier after Wednesday’s draw at Empire State Building in New York.

The Swiss hopes to have a clear run and clinch another record on September 9, when the US Open closes its doors. Until then he will have to get pass some sturdy players coming from the qualifying rounds before clashing with a top seed in the quarter finals, that could be American Andy Roddick.

Roddick is the last player to win the title at Flushing Meadows in 2003 before Federer stepped in and monopolized the trophy for the past three editions.

Another player from the United States, ATP number 6 James Blake could cross Federer’s path, but the Swiss seems determined to continue his rule in New York City.

The second seed Rafael Nadal will kick-off his campaign with a match against qualifier Alun Jones, while the next seed Novak Djokovic wants to continue his acension after a battle with Croatian Mario Ancic in the first round.

The women’s defending champion Maria Sharapova will face Italian Roberta Vinci in her first game, a player from the top ten following to appear in the quarter-finals and could be another Russian Anna Chakvetadze.

Justine Henin could run into Serena Williams in the tournament’s quarter-finals if she gets through the first rounds where she will meet players coming from the qualifying rounds. Henin joins Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams and her sister Venus on a half loaded with top seeds.

The 2007 edition of the US Open will be held between August 27 and September 9 at the regular venue, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing.