World number one Serena Williams, coming off a surprise third round loss at Wimbledon, heads the women´s field for the U.S. Open, which starts in New York in late August.
Players from 36 countries are represented, the U.S. Tennis Association announced on Wednesday, with two-time defending champion Williams heading an 11-strong American contingent for the Aug. 25-Sept. 8 event.
Williams has five U.S. Open crowns, just one shy of the modern era record held by compatriot Chris Evert.