(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-28 10:52

NEW YORK - The US Open gets under way with top seeds Roger Federer and Justine Henin playing at the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday.

Tennis player Serena Williams waves to fans, as Roger Federer watches, during 'Arthur Ashe Kid's Day' at the U.S. Open in Flushing, New York August 25, 2007. [Reuters]

Federer, the Swiss seeking his 12th grand slam title, should have little trouble against American Scoville Jenkins. The 20-year-old is ranked 320th in the world and has a 2-3 record in 2007.

Belgium's Henin is also expected to roll over Germany's Julia Goerges in their first-ever meeting. The 2006 Open finalist, however, is refusing to take anyone lightly.

"My first match remains something really important to me," said Henin, the 2003 champion, who lost to Maria Sharapova in last year's final.

Sisters Serena and Venus Williams will play under the lights on Monday night during an evening session dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Althea Gibson's groundbreaking U.S. Open triumph.

Gibson in 1957 became the first African-American player, male or female, to win the title at the U.S. National Championships.

"She didn't even get to play professional until she was way older when she could have probably won so many more titles," Serena told reporters.

"I just really, really am glad I have an opportunity to be able to play."

"I'm happy. Althea makes me happy and excited to be black."

Eighth-seeded Serena will play Angelique Kerber of Germany while number 12 Venus will face Hungary's Kira Nagy.