Top seed Pete Sampras of the United States will begin his quest for a record-equalling 12th Grand Slam tournament title when he opposes Marc Goellner of Germany in the first round of next week's US Open at Flushing Meadow.

Sampras, who has won five Wimbledon and two Australian Open titles, will attempt to win the US Open for the fifth time and join former Australian star Roy Emerson with a record 12 career Grand Slam titles.

Play begins on Monday at the National Tennis Center and the schedule of first-round play will be announced during the weekend following the completion of qualifying play.

Second seed Marcelo Rios of Chile will open against Daniel Vacek of the Czech Republic and third-seeded Rafter begins the defence of his title against Hicham Arazi of Morocco.

Sixth seed Greg Rusedski of Britain, the losing finalist last year, faces Wayne Ferreira of South Africa. Tim Henman, seeded 13th, faces Australian Scott Draper.

Among the women, top seed Martina Hingis of Switzerland begins the defence of her title against a qualifier, number two seed Lindsay Davenport of the United States faces Catalina Cristea of Romania.

Stefi Graf, given a wild card seeding of eight on her past record of five US Open wins, will play Corina Morariu.