PARIS—Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal’s No. 6 seeding and placement in world No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s quarter of the draw doesn’t matter one way or another for the nine-time champion. Nadal, Djokovic, and world No. 3 Andy Murray are on the same side of the draw, while No. 2 seed Federer, No. 4 Tomas Berdych, and No. 5 Kei Nishikori are on the opposite side. Nadal and Djokovic could meet in the quarterfinals.
“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 4. If not in the Top 4, maybe No. 1 or 2 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 added it doesn’t affect him whether the draw has him slotted to play a particular opponent. “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 17-time Grand Slam champion. “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 [No.] 5 and 8, so I knew that I could play him in quarterfinals or semifinals. But it makes no difference. He's very difficult to beat unless you can prove me the contrary.”
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