World No 1 Iga Swiatek has been handed a challenging draw at the US Open, with potential matches against Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins in her quarter of the draw.

Swiatek could face a run of matches that includes a fourth round clash against rising star Mirra Andreeva, who pushed her all the way in a compelling contest in Cincinnati last week.

Pegula or Collins could then lie in wait in the quarter-finals, with Eleyna Rybakina a possible semi-final opponent before a showdown with Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

Meanwhile, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu has been handed a daunting draw at the US Open as she seeks her first win in New York since winning the title in 2021.

The 21-year-old shocked the world when she won at Flushing Meadows three years ago but lost in the first round in 2022 and then missed last year with injury.

The draw has been unkind to the British No 2, who has drawn former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, currently ranked 55th, in the first round.

If she wins that then American sixth seed Jessica Pegula is likely to be waiting in the second round before a possible all-British third round tie against Katie Boulter.

Emma Raducanu News

Tim Henman hits out at ‘borderline obsession’ around Emma Raducanu ahead of US Open

Emma Raducanu’s latest social media post throws up a big question – what about tennis?

Raducanu has been criticised for taking time away from tennis ahead of the US Open and former British No 1 Tim Henman told Tennis365 those snipes are misplaced.

“There is almost a borderline obsession about different elements of her game and where she is going wrong,” Sky Sports Tennis analyst Henman told Tennis365 in an exclusive interview.

“She hasn’t played in Canada and Cincinnati over the last few weeks… big deal!

“It’s two tournaments out of 52 weeks, she has played plenty of tournaments this year and she is top 50 in the WTA Race.

“She is continuing to build and get fitter, stronger and faster. Her game is fantastic. She will be top 20 or top 30 before long, so we need to stop this level of scrutiny.”

Defending women’s champion Coco Gauff begins against Varvara Gracheva and she could face No 2 seed Sabalenka if they both get through to the semi-finals.

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova could be a last eight opponent for Gauff, but she will be relieved to be in the opposite half of the draw to Swiatek.

Meanwhile, there is a blockbusting meeting of former grand slam champions as Naomi Osaka takes on Jelena Ostapenko.

Former British No 1 Tim Henman gave Tennis365 his verdict on the women’s draw, as he prepares to play a central role in the Sky Sports Tennis team at the US Open.

“I think Swiatek has to be the favourite,” added Henman.

“She played so well in the Slams, but there will be so many players in the women’s draw who fancy their chances.

“Coco Gauff is defending champion, Sabalenka will be in there, I’d love to see Ons Jabeur win one and I’d also keep an eye out on Jes Pegula.”