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'Surprising': Rafael Nadal's 'disrespect' claim stuns Novak Djokovic

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has received support from Novak Djokovic after criticising Wimbledon's unique seedings formula.

Nadal looks set to fall victim to the formula, which tweaks the seedings based on previous form on grass, with the 33-year-old expected to be seeded third behind top-ranked Djokovic and Roger Federer despite being world No.2.

The seedings are due to be announced on Wednesday.

Wimbledon is the only one of the four grand slam tournaments not to stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings.

A seeding of three means Nadal, seeking a first Wimbledon title for nine years, would most probably have to beat eight-time champion Federer and four-time winner Djokovic to get his hands on the trophy for a third time.

Nadal, fresh from winning the French Open, was left seething over the change.

"Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," he told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday.

"It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept.

Pictured at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Novak Djokovic has backed Rafael Nadal over his frustrations with the Wimbledon seeding formula. Pic: Getty

"I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula. It has not only happened to my seeding, it has happened to other players. They do not respect the status that some players have earned throughout the season."

Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances he never got past round four.

Wimbledon top seed Djokovic said he could understand Nadal's frustration, even taking Federer’s standing into account.

Djokovic: ‘If anyone deserves it, it’s him’

"It's their rules and you have to respect it although it's a little bit surprising to be honest," the Serb told Reuters after playing at the Boodles exhibition event on Tuesday.

"Roger is the greatest of all time and has won the most Wimbledon titles of any player in history and if anyone 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."

The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos.

While Federer could now luck out if last year’s finalist Kevin Anderson is placed on his side of the draw, he is unfazed by the drama.

"It might make no difference if Rafa is in my section," 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."

The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw".

Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Australia’s Ash Barty will enter the grand slam as the top seed after reaching world No.1 this week.

Rafael Nadal, who just defeated Roger Federer in Paris, is unhappy to be seeded below him at Wimbledon. Pic: Getty
Rafael Nadal, who just defeated Roger Federer in Paris, is unhappy to be seeded below him at Wimbledon. Pic: Getty

with AAP