Defending French Open champion and World No. 2 Rafael Nadal was seeded third behind the top-ranked Novak Djokovic and a 37-year-old Roger Federer in the official Wimbledon 2019 seedings released by the All England Lawn Tennis Club  Committee on June 26 (Wednesday). The unique seeding formula leaves Nadal with the possibility of facing current title holder Djokovic in the semi-finals. Roger Federer 'BACK' at Centre Court! Swiss Great Shares Pic in Pristine White Attire Ahead of Wimbledon 2019.

Nadal, as expected was seeded third despite being second in the ATP rankings. Had he been seeded ahead of Federer, who is chasing his ninth Wimbledon title, Nadal would have not had to be worried about meeting the defending champion before the final.

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Wimbledon, unlike the three other Grand Slams, does not place its seedings on the basis of the ATP and WTA rankings. It follows past performances on grass-courts. Nadal however, courted controversy after learning of the seedings. “It doesn’t seem right,” said the Spaniard when asked about his seeding behind the eight-time winner Federer. Wimbledon begins on June 1 (Monday). Rafael Nadal Says Wimbledon Seeding System Disrespects World Rankings.

Nadal is chasing his third Wimbledon title and first in nine years. But seeded at third, he will have to get through the two favourites in Federer and Djokovic for having any chances of lifting the iconic trophy a third time. He, however, received support from rival Djokovic, who sympathised with Nadal for his comments.

“It's their rules and you have to respect it although it's a little bit surprising, to be honest," he told Reuters. Roger is the greatest of all time and has won the most Wimbledon titles of any player in history and if any player deserves it it's him. But, at the same time, it's Nadal that he is taking over (from as) the second seed so it's surprising, to be honest,” said the four-time Wimbledon winner serb.

Meanwhile, Kevin Anderson, who reached the finals here last season, is seeded fourth while semi-finalists John Isner moved up to ninth. French Open 2019 finalist Dominic Thiem is seeded fifth.

In the women’s category, French Open champion and World no. 1 Ashleigh Barty is seeded first for the first time, while Naomi Osaka and current Wimbledon title holder Angelique Kerber are placed second and fifth respectively. Seven-time champion Serena Williams is seeded 11th.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2019 06:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).