Federer tries for 6th straight open title

NEW YORK, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- World No. 1 Roger Federer opens defense of his U.S. Open title this week in New York, trying to win the event for the sixth straight year.

The open begins Monday at Flushing Meadows.

The Swiss star, winner of 15 Grand Slam championships, will play Devin Britton of the United States in the first round.

The last time Federer lost at the open was in 2003, when American Andy Roddick took the title.

Andy Murray is seeded No. 2 behind Federer and Rafael Nadal is No. 3.

On the women's side, the defending champion is American Serena Williams, who is seeded No. 2 behind Russia's Dinara Safina. Venus Williams is No. 3.

Safina, who has never won a major, opens against Olivia Rogowska of Australia. Serena Williams, an 11-time Grand Slam winner, takes on countrywoman Alexa Glatch.