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Federer looks to extend dominanceBy Candy Reid, CNN World Sport Federer won his third straight Wimbledon final earlier in the season. QUICKVOTERELATEDTENNIS MAILBAGDo you have a question about tennis for World Sport Anchor Candy Reid? E-mail candy@cnn.com.
(CNN) -- World Sport anchor Candy Reid casts her eye over the favorites in the men's draw at the U.S. Open, which starts Aug. 29. For the women's draw, click here. Different year -- same story. As in 2004 Roger Federer will begin the U.S. Open as the overwhelming favorite. The Swiss maestro hasn't been as successful in the slams this year after failing to retain his Australian Open crown, but he still has a better record at this point. He's won nine titles, including his third straight Wimbledon, and has lost just three matches in 67 played so far. Oh, and he hasn't lost a final since 2003! Young Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who has also built up an impressive win/loss record this season, has emerged as the best clay-court player in the world after beating Federer on his way to French Open success in May. But he's been reluctant to leave the safehaven of the dirt and so although he will begin at Flushing Meadows as the second seed it's unlikely he will live up to his billing. Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick have been seeded third and fourth respectively and both know how to play on the quick and this year blue, New York hard-courts. Newly-married Hewitt won the title in 2001 and reached the final last year, while Roddick grabbed his one and only grand slam at Flushing Meadows in 2003. Russian Marat Safin may also press his claims as he eyes a second grand slam of the year, his Australian Open crown coming after beating Federer in an epic semifinal. Safin was set to dominate men's tennis after thrashing Pete Sampras in the 2000 U.S. Open final but injuries and lack of self belief have often hampered his progress. Two-time U.S. Open champion and a three-time finalist Andre Agassi has been hit with injuries this year, but he will be the sentimental favorite as he contests his home slam for the 20th time in a row. The 35-year-old is the seventh seed for what very well could be his last U.S. Open. And what a story it would be if Agassi, like long-time rival Sampras, could end his astonishing career by winning at Flushing Meadows. -- Read Candy Reid's Tennis Mailbag on CNN.com.
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