Nadal to get "protected" seeding at RG?

[tennisville]

If it is true that he is getting tired easily when playing tennis on high level as he said and looking at his last 3 matches it probably is, it is actually irrelevant what Nadal's seed will be at RG for anyone else but him, because he will likely lose the first time he faces either No1e, Fed or Murray if not before.

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You trolling right?

Rafa is the hunter, don't forget and his seeding at RG only concerns the top guys not him

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Rafa was and will always be the hunted on clay not the hunter

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Tennisville: you do understand the reason to do it would be to favor the tournament, not the player. Therefore, comparisons to Haas, or even Ferrer or Murray are spurious. Nadal has won it 7 times, and is the reigning champion. The tournament MAY BE considering putting him at higher seeding to favor their own draw. (And we don't even know they're seriously considering it.) However, if they did, and I'm not saying they should, it would be in the interest of getting the best matches in SFs and Fs, not to throw Nadal a bone.

yeah Moxie , I know the event wants it best outcome but dont you think it actually favoured them in 2011 when they had a maquee match in R3 between Djokovic and Del Potro . Getting a Marquee match in the quarterfinal will actually sell those tickets as well . Tickets for the semis and finals will normally always sell out regardless of the players

Of course this is all speculative . I doubt Rafa cares really . He knows that if he plays his best , then regardless of his seed he will win

 

[reddy]

Ferrer skipping Monte Carlo & losing his opening match at Barcelona, opens up the possibility of Nadal getting the #4 ranking/seeding @ RG.

This can happen only under the following 3 scenarios:
If Nadal sweeps the 3 events prior to RG AND Ferrer wins less than 515 points combined between Rome & Madrid.
If Nadal wins Barcelona & wins Rome and makes the Madrid final (or vice versa) AND Ferrer wins less than 115 points combined between Rome & Madrid.
Also possible if Nadal fails to win Barcelona but wins Rome & Madrid but given that it is highly unlikely I am skipping posting the math on that.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I think in all likelihood Ferrer would really have to bomb which in fairness he just did in Barcelona, but I can't see him continuing that streak. The math is far easier on Ferrer than it is Nadal. Nadal would have made this fight for the fourth seed a moot point if he had just played in Miami. He pretty much has nowhere to gain except for Madrid. Djoker has a renewed energy and an I mean business look in challenging this clay season, so it won't be easy. Nadal if still not on all cylinders can find himself potentially running through all three big guys Djoker, Fed and Murray in Madrid and Rome because of seeding not that he can't beat all of them in one tournament, but it doesn't make it pretty.

 

[shawnbm]

Nadal being seeded fifth creates mouthwatering possibilities. I sincerely hope the draw plays out according to rank as usual. Nadal winning it would be one of his finest moments (assuming he follows through).

 

[Kieran]

There's all the ins and outs on this one, but really, I think there's wisdom in rigging the seeds in Wimbledon and the same logic suggests the seeds aren't rigged for Paris. We have enough events to draw a seeding from, on clay, whereas at Wimbledon, if Federer was (example) fifth in the world, he should leapfrog Ferrer in seedings there. Grass is different enough - and short enough in the season - to justify a little protection of the better grass court players.

I know, it isn't a strong argument, but I tend to agree with Wimbledon going by their own system. I wouldn't agree with anything that places Nadal at #1 in Paris, based solely on his past. He was injured and missed seven months of the year. Tough. This is the sport. Get on with it.

I happen to think the others will be more vulnerable early, than he'll be, but that's neither here nor there. The sadness of that seven months includes the necessity that he earn the right to be seeded higher at the slams. The juicy part is the potential for him to face Djoker, Murray then Federer in succession...

 

[Denis]

Nadal being seeded fifth creates mouthwatering possibilities. I sincerely hope the draw plays out according to rank as usual. Nadal winning it would be one of his finest moments (assuming he follows through).

Yup, that's the upside to things. If he gets a Murray, Federer, Djokovic draw and he wins the whole thing, it will be one of his finest moments after being out for so long.

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There's all the ins and outs on this one, but really, I think there's wisdom in rigging the seeds in Wimbledon and the same logic suggests the seeds aren't rigged for Paris. We have enough events to draw a seeding from, on clay, whereas at Wimbledon, if Federer was (example) fifth in the world, he should leapfrog Ferrer in seedings there.

In defense to Ferrer, he's not bad on grass. He won two grass tourney's. Ok, tourney's that claim that it's a grass surface. And he demolished Del Potro last year at Wimbledon. So he might actually be bumped up in seedings based on his results on grass.

 

[brokenshoelace]

If it is true that he is getting tired easily when playing tennis on high level as he said and looking at his last 3 matches it probably is, it is actually irrelevant what Nadal's seed will be at RG for anyone else but him, because he will likely lose the first time he faces either No1e, Fed or Murray if not before.

This was painfully stupid to read.

 

[SF Nadalite]

It is absurd to think that Rafa would be considered the fifth player likely to win the French Open (or the fifth best player coming into the tournament). There isn't any point in arguing over it - which is why Wimbledon creates their own seed for their surface.

Frankly, I would think fans of/the other top players would be more concerned about facing Rafa in the quarters rather than Rafa's level of concern. His form was far from his best at Monte Carlo - but if he steps it up (like he has done just about every other year), then the ranking won't make a big difference.

 

[Andrew William]

There's all the ins and outs on this one, but really, I think there's wisdom in rigging the seeds in Wimbledon and the same logic suggests the seeds aren't rigged for Paris. We have enough events to draw a seeding from, on clay, whereas at Wimbledon, if Federer was (example) fifth in the world, he should leapfrog Ferrer in seedings there. Grass is different enough - and short enough in the season - to justify a little protection of the better grass court players.

I know, it isn't a strong argument, but I tend to agree with Wimbledon going by their own system. I wouldn't agree with anything that places Nadal at #1 in Paris, based solely on his past. He was injured and missed seven months of the year. Tough. This is the sport. Get on with it.

I happen to think the others will be more vulnerable early, than he'll be, but that's neither here nor there. The sadness of that seven months includes the necessity that he earn the right to be seeded higher at the slams. The juicy part is the potential for him to face Djoker, Murray then Federer in succession...

I agree with the sole argument expressed here.

What it boils down to in my opinion is we need MORE tournaments on grass!! Not only is it better on the knees, it makes S&V possible and some fans actually enjoy watching that brand of tennis once in a while. And lastly, they could toss out their special ranking system and go with the standard seeding since grass prowess would be better represented throughout the calendar year.

 

[Front242]

No special treatment was given to anyone in the past after injury comebacks so multiple champion or not it's disrespectful to others if they decide to change the rules now. I don't think they will anyway. Look at Serena Williams a few years ago. She got no special treatment. Yes, a Djokovic v Nadal final would be great but I'm quite sure whatever final we end up with it'll be entertaining. We've had quite a few clay surprises already this year. If it ends up being a quarter final match between these two so be it. Many people will be taking days off work!

 

[Mastoor]

If it is true that he is getting tired easily when playing tennis on high level as he said and looking at his last 3 matches it probably is, it is actually irrelevant what Nadal's seed will be at RG for anyone else but him, because he will likely lose the first time he faces either No1e, Fed or Murray if not before.

This was painfully stupid to read.

What's stupid apart from the reader who failed to comprehend it?

 

[herios]

Nadal being seeded fifth creates mouthwatering possibilities. I sincerely hope the draw plays out according to rank as usual. Nadal winning it would be one of his finest moments (assuming he follows through).

Yup, that's the upside to things. If he gets a Murray, Federer, Djokovic draw and he wins the whole thing, it will be one of his finest moments after being out for so long.

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There's all the ins and outs on this one, but really, I think there's wisdom in rigging the seeds in Wimbledon and the same logic suggests the seeds aren't rigged for Paris. We have enough events to draw a seeding from, on clay, whereas at Wimbledon, if Federer was (example) fifth in the world, he should leapfrog Ferrer in seedings there.

In defense to Ferrer, he's not bad on grass. He won two grass tourney's. Ok, tourney's that claim that it's a grass surface. And he demolished Del Potro last year at Wimbledon. So he might actually be bumped up in seedings based on his results on grass.

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What do you mean by "claim" ?? Do you think they mock the grass in hertogenbosch?

 

[Denis]

Nadal being seeded fifth creates mouthwatering possibilities. I sincerely hope the draw plays out according to rank as usual. Nadal winning it would be one of his finest moments (assuming he follows through).

Yup, that's the upside to things. If he gets a Murray, Federer, Djokovic draw and he wins the whole thing, it will be one of his finest moments after being out for so long.

---

There's all the ins and outs on this one, but really, I think there's wisdom in rigging the seeds in Wimbledon and the same logic suggests the seeds aren't rigged for Paris. We have enough events to draw a seeding from, on clay, whereas at Wimbledon, if Federer was (example) fifth in the world, he should leapfrog Ferrer in seedings there.

In defense to Ferrer, he's not bad on grass. He won two grass tourney's. Ok, tourney's that claim that it's a grass surface. And he demolished Del Potro last year at Wimbledon. So he might actually be bumped up in seedings based on his results on grass.

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What do you mean by "claim" ?? Do you think they mock the grass in hertogenbosch?

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yes, I've read about players complaining about the grasscourts there. I think Malisse was one of them.

 

[brokenshoelace]

If it is true that he is getting tired easily when playing tennis on high level as he said and looking at his last 3 matches it probably is, it is actually irrelevant what Nadal's seed will be at RG for anyone else but him, because he will likely lose the first time he faces either No1e, Fed or Murray if not before.

This was painfully stupid to read.

What's stupid apart from the reader who failed to comprehend it?

The notion that Nadal loses to Murray at Roland Garros...

 

[Mog]

There's all the ins and outs on this one, but really, I think there's wisdom in rigging the seeds in Wimbledon and the same logic suggests the seeds aren't rigged for Paris. We have enough events to draw a seeding from, on clay, whereas at Wimbledon, if Federer was (example) fifth in the world, he should leapfrog Ferrer in seedings there. Grass is different enough - and short enough in the season - to justify a little protection of the better grass court players.


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I agree with Kieran on this reasoning. At Wimbledon seeding is adjusted because as Kieran mentioned they have very less grass tournaments (grass=6) compared to clay(clay=25) and hard(=37) so it not necessry to adjust any seeding there for clay/hard tournaments.
Regarding Rafa I can understand the sentiments and reasons to up the seeding. He has won 7 RGs and the best clay court player perhaps all time and has lost about 7 months due to injury.
I don't think RG will seed him higher to see Djoker-Nadal final.

 

[Mastoor]

If it is true that he is getting tired easily when playing tennis on high level as he said and looking at his last 3 matches it probably is, it is actually irrelevant what Nadal's seed will be at RG for anyone else but him, because he will likely lose the first time he faces either No1e, Fed or Murray if not before.

This was painfully stupid to read.

What's stupid apart from the reader who failed to comprehend it?

The notion that Nadal loses to Murray at Roland Garros...

It shouldn't surprise you at all if it is true that he is not as fit as he used to be. Murray can theoretically play on high level long enough to tire Nadal. He did play two amazing successive sets in Rome 2011 semi, so i can easily imagine him playing on high level for even longer. Murray is fit enough to play 5 sets after all, while if Nadal says he gets tired - he can't be.

In case Nadal is fit, I suppose no one would bet on Murray including Judy and Iona.

 

[Billie]

If it is true that he is getting tired easily when playing tennis on high level as he said and looking at his last 3 matches it probably is, it is actually irrelevant what Nadal's seed will be at RG for anyone else but him, because he will likely lose the first time he faces either No1e, Fed or Murray if not before.

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My main point is that Nadal was injured and therefore his ranking slipped. He didn't just start losing and in that case I may be able to see the point against it. I am sorry but Nadal has so many RG titles and can't be compared with Haas. And why nobody complains when they change the seeding at Wimbledon? Use the formula just like at Wimbledon, I am sure that Rafa qualifies to bump up his seeding. I think that they will somehow be on opposite sides one way or another.

Life is not fair. Would people mention Ferrer if this were Wimbledon instead?

Yolita calculated and he will be seeded 2 if they use the formula. I think she mentioned that formula adds up atp points, points won on clay in last 12 months and points won on clay in 12 months prior to that.

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M, you shouldn't believe everything players say in public. I think that Nadal is spooked by Nole's return game and Nole in 2011 in both finals broke him for sets and matches more often than not. There is no solution for that. As for being tired, we have to see in the next 2 masters when the competition is back on to the highest level with Federer and Nole back competing to see where Nadal stands.

I actually think that Nole would benefit from playing Rafa in earlier stages as he is likely to be more fresh in earlier rounds unlike last year when he struggled vs Seppi and Tsonga, that took a lot out of him...so earlier the better. But I am considering the fact that Nadal is defending champion over and over again and it would be fair to give him a better seeding, just use the formula like Wimbledon does. Who is good on clay and has results to show for, they will be seeded higher. How is that not fair?

 

[herios]

If it is true that he is getting tired easily when playing tennis on high level as he said and looking at his last 3 matches it probably is, it is actually irrelevant what Nadal's seed will be at RG for anyone else but him, because he will likely lose the first time he faces either No1e, Fed or Murray if not before.

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My main point is that Nadal was injured and therefore his ranking slipped. He didn't just start losing and in that case I may be able to see the point against it. I am sorry but Nadal has so many RG titles and can't be compared with Haas. And why nobody complains when they change the seeding at Wimbledon? Use the formula just like at Wimbledon, I am sure that Rafa qualifies to bump up his seeding. I think that they will somehow be on opposite sides one way or another.

Life is not fair. Would people mention Ferrer if this were Wimbledon instead?

Yolita calculated and he will be seeded 2 if they use the formula. I think she mentioned that formula adds up atp points, points won on clay in last 12 months and points won on clay in 12 months prior to that.

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M, you shouldn't believe everything players say in public. I think that Nadal is spooked by Nole's return game and Nole in 2011 in both finals broke him for sets and matches more often than not. There is no solution for that. As for being tired, we have to see in the next 2 masters when the competition is back on to the highest level with Federer and Nole back competing to see where Nadal stands.

I actually think that Nole would benefit from playing Rafa in earlier stages as he is likely to be more fresh in earlier rounds unlike last year when he struggled vs Seppi and Tsonga, that took a lot out of him...so earlier the better. But I am considering the fact that Nadal is defending champion over and over again and it would be fair to give him a better seeding, just use the formula like Wimbledon does. Who is good on clay and has results to show for, they will be seeded higher. How is that not fair?

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Billie, Wimbledon is Wimbledon, they are unique. The tradition is what imakes that event special. They do things like nowhere else in the world.

 

[Moxie]

I don't think Rafa is "spooked." But I do think he has stuff yet to work out, post-injury break.

I don't agree with your notion that Novak would benefit from seeing Rafa early, based on last year. In 2012, it took Djokovic the whole tournament to play himself into finals-shape, and he still lost. If/when they meet each other at RG, it could go either way at this point, depending on form in the next couple of weeks. But if they were to meet before the finals, I'd give the edge to Rafa, based on how they come to form at RG. Respectfully.

 

[Kieran]

I musta looked away and missed something. When did Rafa get spooked? Did somebody turn off his bedroom light before he nodded off again?

He wasn't spooked by anyone's return on Sunday - or if he was, it was his own return to tennis and the knowledge that he still has inroads to make. His serve was diabolical and in the 6-5 game, Novak stepped up and exposed it. It wasn't mental, it was there already, just Novak didn't always make him pay. Nothing about his demeanor or interviews afterwards suggested he's exasperated and stumped by Novak...