Serena Williams Seeded Number One At US Open

Serena Williams has been seeded for the top spot at the US Open in Queens, heading off against Victoria Azarenka in a bid for the former’s second consecutive title.

As Serena Williams heads to Flushing Meadows to attempt the title, it’s been 14 years since she first grabbed it back in 1999. Williams is a formidable contender, but Victoria Azarenka has won two of the last three matches.

ESPN explains the rankings announced earlier this week, with Serena Williams on top and Azarenka just under her. The third ranking female, Maria Sharapova, withdrew Wednesday and was replaced:

“The U.S. Tennis Association stuck to the WTA rankings Tuesday in announcing the 32 seeded women, including Victoria Azarenka at No. 2, and Maria Sharapova at No. 3. Sharapova announced her withdrawal on Wednesday and Agnieszka Radwanska was given the third seed in her place. Williams is one of three seeded Americans; No. 16 Sloane Stephens and No. 24 Jamie Hampton are the others.”

Bleacher Report muses that Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka have a rivalry that adds another level to women’s tennis, explaining:

“More than just powerful personalities, Williams and Azarenka provide fans with something lacking on the women’s tour: a wow factor. They give us superior shot selection, gamesmanship and athleticism. They charge the net and smash winners… Their matches rise to the level we expect, but seldom get, from contests between two Top Five players.”

At the age of 31, Serena Williams is the oldest player to be ranked in her spot at the US Open. Azarenka is seven years her junior at 24.