New York: Serena Williams, one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis over a decade, will be chasing history at the US Open, as if she wins, she will surpass the legendary Steffi Graf as the most successful woman player in terms of Grand Slam titles in the Open Era.

She jointly holds the record of 22 titles with Graf and will move to within the touching distance of Margaret Court's all-time leading tally of 24. Serena to her credit has six US Open crowns, which is matched by only Chris Evert in the Open Era.

Serena has been atop the rankings since February 2013 and a win further will lead her to equalling Graf's record for most consecutive weeks (186) at No.1. However, if she loses then any one of Angelique Kerber, Garbiñe Muguruza or Agnieszka Radwanska are close enough to displace her from the top.

Meanwhile, the world No. 1 will start her campaign for a record 23rd Grand Slam women’s single title in Arthur Ashe Stadium against Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova, on Day 2, while No.2 seed Kerber will play Polona Hercog.

On Monday, Madison Keys will take on Alison Riske, while Svetlana Kuznetsova will play against Francesca Schiavone. Petra Kvitova, who won a bronze at the Rio Olympics will have a face off with Jelena Ostapenko, while Caroline Wozniacki will fight it out with Taylor Townsend.