Serena draws Makarova in first round of US Open
Toby Melville / Reuters
NEW YORK - Top-ranked Serena Williams will meet two-time major semifinalist Ekaterina Makarova in the first round of the U.S. Open as the American seeks a record 23rd Grand Slam title.
Makarova made two straight major semis at the 2014 U.S. Open, losing to Williams, and the 2015 Australian Open. Her ranking has slipped to 36th, and she just missed a seed at Flushing Meadows. The Russian is coming off an Olympic doubles gold medal.
Williams could face fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals, which is also when she could potentially meet sister Venus. Australian Open champ Angelique Kerber and French Open winner Garbine Muguruza are in the other half of the draw, which was set Friday.