Djokovic, Nadal, Federer top 3 Open seeds

U.S. Open officials strictly followed the current world rankings in making Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray the top four men's seeds for the two-week tournament, which commences Monday.

Mardy Fish is the highest of the three seeded U.S. players at No. 8, followed by Andy Roddick (21st) and John Isner (28th). The only break from the rankings in the Open seedings announced Wednesday is the result of 29th-ranked Canadian Milos Raonic's absence because of hip surgery.

Without Raonic, the 29th, 30th and 31st-ranked players (Michael Llodra, Ivan Ljubicic and Marcel Granollers) were moved up a spot in the seedings, allowing Ivan Dodig the last seeded position.

Djokovic, enjoying a career year with a 57-2 match record and nine tournament titles, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon, withdrew from last Sunday's Cincinnati final against Murray because of shoulder fatigue but expects to be ready for the Open.

Nadal, the defending Open champion, has won three tournaments this year, including the French Open, but is 0-5 against Djokovic. Federer, the all-time career leader in major tournament victories with 16, last won a Grand Slam event at the 2010 Australian Open.