US Open 2013: Andy Murray drawn in same half as Novak Djokovic meaning pair could meet in semi-final clash

Murray begins his championship defence against Michael Llodra while Roger Federer could face Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals

Andy Murray won the US Open having lost his previous four finals

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

Third seed Murray was placed on the same side as world number one Novak Djokovic when the draw was made at Flushing Meadows this morning, 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 2013 struggles, 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 is the first British woman to be a seeded in such an event since Jo Durie at the 1987 Australian Open.

The 30th seed really made her breakthrough on the big stage in New York last year with her run to the fourth round, a feat she repeated at Wimbledon, but expectations have been tempered by a wrist injury that has dogged her in the build-up.

Robson will meet Spain's Lourdes Dominguez Lino in the first round and could face Li Na again in the third round, as she did last year.

British number two Heather Watson, who is still struggling for form after recovering from glandular fever, was drawn against Romanian 21st seed Simona Halep.

PA

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