US Open: Andy Murray may face Djokovic in semis

Andy Murray will begin the defence of his US Open title next week against Frenchman Michael Llodra.

Wimbledon and US Open champion Andy Murray begins his defence at Flushing Meadows against Michael Llodra. Picture: PA

Third seed Murray was placed in the same half as world No 1 Novak Djokovic when the draw was made at Flushing Meadows last night, meaning there can be no repeat of last year’s final or the recent Wimbledon final between the two, both of which were won by Murray.

Roger Federer, seeded only seventh after his struggles in 2013, was drawn in the bottom half and is a potential quarter-final opponent for second seed Rafael Nadal.

Laura Robson is seeded at a grand slam for the first time and will meet Spain’s Lourdes Dominguez Lino in the first round. If the No 30 seed comes through the first two rounds, she could face Li Na again in the third round, as she did last year.

British No 2 Heather Watson, who is still struggling for form after recovering from glandular fever, was drawn against Romanian 21st seed Simona Halep.