Andy Murray has been named as the second seed for the US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, which begins on August 31.

It is the first time the Scot has started at the bottom of the draw for a Grand Slam – a result of Murray’s present world ranking of two.

In May, the Dunblane ace became the first British player to reach number three in the world and after winning the Montreal Masters in August he overtook Spain’s Rafael Nadal to progress to number two.

Murray achieved his best Grand Slam result to date by reaching the final at Flushing Meadows last year and after victory in Montreal and a semi-final finish at the Cincinnati Masters last week, the Scot will be hoping to build on his momentum as he searches for his first major title.

Reigning champion Roger Federer, who is bidding for his third successive major title after triumphing at the French Open and Wimbledon, is the top seed and therefore cannot face Murray until the final.