Newly-crowned world number one Rafa Nadal will launch his assault on the US Open trophy with an opening round match against a qualifier, after the draw ceremony in New York on Thursday.

Rafa is looking to clinch his third Grand Slam tournament this season. However, there is a long way to go: He could meet big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic, the number 13 seed, in the third-round with a potential quarter-final clash with David Nalbandian. In the semis he could face Spain's David Ferrer, the number four seed.

Second seed Federer, gunning for his fifth straight title, is up against 114th-ranked Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina.

Awaiting the Swiss in the last four is Serbian Novak Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open champion and a runner-up finish in Flushing Meadows last year.

In the first round, Djokovic, the number three seed, drew Frenchman Arnaud Clement, who reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in July.

RAFA'S BLOG  

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Rafa took you every step of the way in this blog as he won Wimbledon this summer after an epic final against Roger Federer. Since then, he's knocked his fiercest rival off the No 1 spot and added an Olympic gold medal to his already overspilling trophy cabinet.

You'll be pleased to know that the man from Manacor will return to Times Online on Sunday evening, giving you the daily lowdown on his quest to win the US Open and once again answering your questions, which you can e-mail to him here.