NEW YORK: Serena Williams` loss is Caroline Wozniacki`s gain as the Danish tennis star was named Monday the top women`s seed for the US Open which begins on Monday.

Wozniacki was the runner-up at Flushing Meadows last year and is the first woman since 2003 to be seeded No. 1 at the US Open without already having won a major championship. Wozniacki is the second top ranked player in the world behind Williams who pulled out of the event with an injury.

Spain`s Rafael Nadal is the top men`s seed, followed by Swiss star Roger Federer at No. 2.

The 2009 men`s champion, Juan Martin del Potro, pulled out Saturday because of an injured wrist that he required surgery three months ago.

This is the first time Wozniacki has been seeded seeded No. 1 at a grand slam tournament.

Defending champion Kim Clijsters was seeded No. 2. Venus Williams, the 2000-01 US Open champion, is No. 3, followed by 2008 runner-up Jelena Jankovic and Sam Stosur.

Venus said Tuesday she was "ready for the Open." She added that she has "had a tough summer, with some bad luck with my leg."

Two other past US Open champions who were seeded are No. 11 Svetlana Kuznetsova and No. 14 Maria Sharapova.

Venus` sister, Serena, pulled out last week, saying she still is recovering from surgery to repair cuts on her foot.

The draw for the US Open is Thursday.

BDST: 1141 HRS, AUGUS 25, 2010