Rafael Nadal seeding could hurt Novak Djokovic, says Roger Federer
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Updated 23/05/2015 at 11:17 GMT
Rafael Nadal’s seeding for this year’s French Open will have little bearing on defending his crown but could be bad news for pre-tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, claims Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic - Rafael Nadal - 2014 Roland Garros
Image credit: Reuters
Nadal is seeded sixth after a tumultuous season blighted by injuries and a lack of form.
The Spaniard’s seeding pits him in the same side of the draw as world number one Novak Djokovic and the pair could meet in the quarter-finals.
“The rankings reflect what happened the last 12 months,” Federer said.
“Of course if Rafa wouldn't have been injured, from Wimbledon last year or French Open last year—I don't remember when he played his last, but—you know, he would be very close to the top four.
“If not in the top four, maybe one or two in the world. Who knows? So from that standpoint I see the argument [about adjusting Nadal’s seeding], but at the same time I think it was going to be worse for somebody else other than Rafa.
“I don't think it was going to be bad for Rafa because he's looking at defending his title whoever he has to play through.
“It's going to affect Novak more in my opinion in that regard than Rafa really.”
Federer is on the more favourable side of the draw - which also sees him avoid Andy Murray - with Tomas Berdych and Kei Nishikori but the Swiss claims he pays little notice to such things.
“Whether it’s in semis or in the finals, if you lose, you lose at one point or another. So my objective is to not lose,” said the 2009 French Open champions.
“I may not play these players right away, but I may have to play them later. It will be interesting to see Rafa play Novak.
“There is no big difference. Rafa is ranked between five and eight, so I knew that I could play him in quarter-finals or semi-finals. But it makes no difference. He's very difficult to beat unless you can prove me the contrary.”
The French Open starts on May 24 and is live on Eurosport.
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