New York, August 22: World number ones and defending champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka were named as top seeds for the US Open on Wednesday.

Djokovic, who will be chasing a 17th Grand Slam singles title in New York next week, heads the men's field with Spain's Rafael Nadal seeded second. Former world number one Roger Federer, seeking a 21st Grand Slam crown, is seeded third for the tournament. Amanda Anisimova, 17-Year-Old American Tennis Star, Withdraws from US Open 2019 after Father’s Sudden Demise.

The draw for the men's and women's singles takes place on Thursday. In the women's draw, Osaka is ranked number one while 2018 runner-up Serena Williams is seeded eight.

2019 US Open Men's Singles Seeds:

2019 US Open Men's Singles Seeds (Photo Credits: @Beeorlicious)

 

Japanese ace Osaka won her first Grand Slam title in a controversial final victory over Williams last year and then followed it up with her second Slam at the Australian Open in January.

2019 US Open Women's Singles Seeds:

2019 US Open Women's Singles Seeds (Photo Credits: @Beeorlicious)

The two other reigning Grand Slam champions are seeded in the top four, with Australia's French Open champion Ashleigh Barty seeded second and Romania's Wimbledon champion Simona Halep seeded four.

Former world number one Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic is seeded third in the women's draw.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2019 10:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).