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The U.S. Open draw released on Thursday did Williams no favours,
the 40-year-old American landing in the bottom quarter where
fifth-seeded Tunisian Ons Jabeur, the Wimbledon runner-up,
10th-seeded Russian Daria Kasatkina and last year's losing
finalist Leylah Fernandez of Canada all lurk.
Williams signalled her intention to retire this month, saying
she was "evolving away from tennis" but never confirming the
U.S. Open as her final event.
The tennis world, however, is preparing a massive retirement
party at Flushing Meadows with fans hoping it will be a long
one.
Williams starts her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam
singles title on Monday against a player she has never faced
before.
But the six-times U.S. Open winner will be wary of the
80th-ranked Kovinic, who has enjoyed her best career Grand Slam
results this year having reached the third round at the
Australian and French Opens.
Top seed and world number one Iga Swiatek opens against Italy's
Jasmine Paolini and headlines a top half of the draw including
American hopes eighth seed Jessica Pegula and 2020 Australian
Open winner Sofia Kenin along with major winners Garbine
Muguruza, Jelena Ostapenko and Petra Kvitova.
Britain's Emma Raducanu, who captivated the tennis world last
year at Flushing Meadows by going from qualifier to Grand Slam
winner, will open her title defence against Alize Cornet.
The 19-year-old will have to be sharp against the French veteran
who is contesting a record 64th consecutive Grand Slam event and
reached the quarter-finals at this year's Australian Open and
last 16 at Wimbledon where she ended Swiatek's 37-match win
streak.
The marquee match of the first round could be between twice U.S.
Open champion Naomi Osaka and 19th-seeded American Danielle
Collins, the Australian Open finalist.
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Ed Osmond)
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