Since the open era began, two British male players have reached the final of the US Open, but both finished on the losing side.

In 1997 Greg Rusedski battled his way through to the final, but his hopes of landing a first Grand Slam were undone by Australia's Patrick Rafter, who was in superb form.

Rusedski gave himself hope by winning the first set after losing the first two, but despite a valiant effort in the fourth, the Australian closed out the match 7-5 to shatter the Briton's dreams.

In 2008 young Scot Andy Murray secured his place in the US Open final after an outstanding semi-final victory over reigning Wimbledon champion and world number one Rafael Nadal.

Hopes were high that he could claim another notable scalp by beating Roger Federer in the final, but Murray, clearly still feeling the effects of his energy-sapping efforts against Nadal, suffered the same fate as Rusedski with the Swiss in imperious form.

Britain's best known tennis player, the legendary Fred Perry, leads the way when it comes to British success at the US Open, as he won the title three times in his illustrious career - in 1933, 1934 and 1936.

Britain's Mabel Cahill won the women's title in 1891 and 1892 and Betty Shoemaker in 1930. Virginia Wade was the last British woman to land the title when she beat Billie Jean King in 1968.