Roger Federer reveals the only benefit from overtaking Rafael Nadal in Wimbledon seedings
ROGER FEDERER says he is not overly bothered by the prospect of being the second seed at Wimbledon ahead of Rafael Nadal but feel it will help in his planning.
Roger Federer jokes about Wimbledon seedings
The seeding for the men’s draw at Wimbledon does not strictly follow the ATP rankings like at the other Grand Slams.
Performances on grass over the past 24 months are taken into account and it is expected that despite being ranked third in the world, Federer will move up to second when the seeds are announced later this week.
It means Nadal will drop to third and Kevin Anderson set to be the fourth seed.
The implications for the draw is that Federer cannot meet world No 1 and top seed Novak Djokovic before the final but he could still play Nadal in the semi-finals.
Related articles
The draw for Wimbledon will take place on June 28, Friday before the tournament gets underway on July 1.
Speaking after winning his 10th title in Halle with victory over David Goffin, Federer was asked about the seeding change and the Swiss star was indifferent about the impact it makes.
“It might make no difference if Rafa is in my section (laughs),” he said.
“I guess you could say I avoid Novak in the semis. But at the end of the day that is so far away.
“What it helps me [to do] is plan earlier. That’s it.”
Wimbledon tradition means the defending men’s champion will play the first match on Centre Court on the opening day so Djokovic start on Monday.
And as the second seed, Federer will begin his tournament on Tuesday.
Related articles
WIMBLEDON SEEDING FORMULA
The seeds are the top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, BUT then rearranged on a surface-based system. Since 2002 a seeding committee has not been required for the Gentlemen’s Singles following an agreement made with the ATP.
The seeding order is determined using an objective and transparent system to reflect more accurately an individual player’s grass court achievements. It is based on giving additional credit for grass court performance in the two year period immediately before the date used for seeding for The Championships. The formula is:
- Take the ATP Ranking points at 24 June 2019
- Add 100% of the points earned for all grass court tournaments in the immediate past 12 months period prior to 24 June 2019
- Add 75% of the points earned for the best grass court tournament in the 12 months prior to that
