Novak Djokovic backs Rafael Nadal’s complaint over Wimbledon seeding

Defending Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has admitted he is surprised by the prospect of Rafael Nadal being named as the No.3 seed for next week’s tournament at the All England Club.
Despite being positioned at No.2 in the current ATP rankings, two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal is expected to be ranked below third ranked Roger Federer for the third Grand Slam of the year, with performances on grass courts taken into account as the order if formulated.
Djokovic is certain to be named as No.1 seed, but he admits the demotion of 18-time Grand Slam champion Nadal is harsh.
“They do it differently to everyone else and you have to respect that, although it is a little bit surprising,” said Djokovic, speaking at The Boodles exhibition event at Stoke Park.
“Roger Federer is the greatest of all-time on grass courts and he has won more Wimbledon titles than anyone else in history, but the guy he is being moved ahead of in the seeings is Rafael Nadal.
“For that reason, it is surprising a little bit, but it is what it is.”
Djokovic appeared to be in prime form as he beat world No.35 Cristian Garin at The Boodles, with his thoughts already turning to the defence of his Wimbledon title next week.
“Winning Grand Slams is the biggest priority at this stage of my career,” he stated. “I’m in a very privileged position to be No.1 in the world and it is a role that comes with a lot of pressure. I’m trying to deal with it in the best way I can.
Rafael Nadal blasts Wimbledon over ‘disrespectful’ seeding process that favours Roger Federer.https://t.co/z80X5i0uZl
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) June 25, 2019
“I’ve been in this position many times in my career now and I experience of dealing with it, but it is still not so easy.
“Winning Wimbledon last year was a huge turning point in my career last year. I was coming off the back of elbow surgery and had dropped out of the top 20 in the rankings.
“That tournament a year ago saw a huge shift in terms of the quality of tennis and the standards I was setting. Now I look forward to returning to the sacred Centre Court at Wimbledon.”
Djokovic is back in action for a second match at The Boodles on Wednesday, when he will take on Denis Shapovalov and you can watch the action here.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Comment: Too early to declare whether Andy Murray’s comeback is for real
-
The Andy Murray odyssey and what it means for his chances of making Wimbledon
-
Wimbledon 2019: When is it, who are the defending champions, TV channels, prize money
-
-
FAMOUS FIVE: Tennis comebacks Andy Murray will be hoping to emulate
-
Latest
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia – when it is, what can we expect, how much are they getting paid
Djokovic and Alcaraz will be joined in Saudi Arabia by WTA Tour stars Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur for exhibition matches.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal’s alarming update on his comeback plans puts perspective on his ambitions
Nadal has admitted his comeback plans were in the balance for much of the last six months.
-
ATP Tour
The 5 players to win ATP titles without losing a set in 2023: Carlos Alcaraz the only one to do it twice
Here is a look at the six times a player won an ATP title without dropping a set in 2023.
-
Tennis News
Cameron Norrie exclusive on Novak Djokovic’s improvement, a pizza problem and his worst moment on court
Cameron Norrie gives Tennis365 an insight into his diet, his motivations and more…
-
Tennis News
Seven tennis stars among top 10 highest-paid female athletes in 2023: Emma Raducanu 4th
Tennis players once again dominate the list of highest-paid female athletes.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s 2023 season labelled ‘one of the most amazing displays of age defiance in sports history’
Novak Djokovic’s remarkable 2023 season has been reviewed by a tennis commentator.
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s 2024 tennis schedule: Where will the tennis great kick off his season?
Which tournaments are likely to feature on Novak Djokovic’s 2024 tennis schedule?
-
Tennis News
Former WTA star fears for Carlos Alcaraz in worrying Rafael Nadal comparison
A former world No 9 has admitted she is “worried” about Carlos Alcaraz in a Rafael Nadal comparison.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic dominated last few years due to missing Slams over vaccine stance’, says former No 1
A coach and former WTA star thinks Novak Djokovic missing events has helped his longevity.
-
Australian Open
Caroline Wozniacki gets Australian Open wildcard nod, but Emma Raducanu absent from initial list
Caroline Wozniacki to return to her “special place”, but it remains to be seen if Emma Raducanu will get a wildcard.