Sania Mirza, seeded 26th., earned a relatively easy draw for the US Open, the year's last Grand Slam. She is slated to meet Estonian Kaia Kanepi in the first round.
The world number 28, who is in Maria Sharapova's half of the draw, will face the 22-year-old Estonian for the first time in her career.
If Sania overcomes the challenge from her unseeded opponent, she will be up against the winner of the match between Laura Granville and a qualifier.
Sania, who has had her best results at Flushing Meadows' hard courts, could meet her last year's nemesis Francesca Schiavone if she progresses to the third round. Schianove beat Sania 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in the second round at the last US Open.
The Hyderabadi girl will go into the championship high on confidence after her impressive performance on the US hardcourts this season.
US Open top seeds, Roger Federer and Justine Henin will face qualifiers in the first round.
Federer, who completed a hat-trick of titles last year, could face another qualifier in the second round as well while second seed Rafael Nadal of Spain's opens his campaign against Alun Jones of Australia.
Former champion Andy Roddick plays fellow-American Justin Gimelstob in the first round.
© 2024 Rediff.com -