Federer awaits winner of all-British clash

Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski have been drawn together in the first round of the US Open – with the victor facing the prospect of meeting world number one Roger Federer in round two.

It will be the 10th time the unseeded British pair have played each other with Henman winning their last six encounters.

British number one Andy Murray will play a qualifier in the opening round with his first major test likely to come in a third-round clash with 10th seed Fernando Gonzalez.

The prospect of facing Federer – who begins against Yeu-Tzuoo Wang of Chinese Taipei – will be a big blow for Henman and Rusedski, who are desperate to get their seasons back on track.

And it will be particularly galling for Henman, now down to 62nd in the world rankings, having already been thrashed by Federer in the second round of Wimbledon this summer.

Rusedski, who last beat his long-time British rival in Germany in 1998, has slumped even lower to a current ranking of 138.

Five British players – Josh Goodall, Richard Bloomfield, Katie O’Brien, Sarah Borwell and Melanie South – are hoping to come through the tough qualifying competition.