“It’s a bit unfortunate that it’s so early,” said Haas with regard to the eagerly awaited quarterfinals between Nadal (21 Grand Slam titles) and Djokovic (20 Grand Slam titles).
“I looked at Patrick McEnroe on Instagram and I have to agree with him that the organizers might and should have put Rafa Nadal in second place following he had won the tournament 13 times,” continued the former number two in the world.
The American McEnroe, ex-professional and brother of seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe, had already criticized Roland-Garros’ seeding list following the draw.
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“Come on French Open, it’s time to step away from this seeding. We had Nadal and Djokovic in the semifinals last year. One of the biggest matches ever – in the semifinals. Tennis needs a match like this in the final!” said the 55- year-olds in an Instagram video.
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McEnroe wants the old Wimbledon rules
McEnroe does not understand that this year the 59th meeting between the Serbs and the Spaniard will already take place in the last eight. Instead, he would like a relegation, as was used in Wimbledon until 2019.
Until three years ago, in addition to the position in the ATP world rankings, the results on grass in the previous two years were decisive for the seeding position. Since 2019, however, Wimbledon has also said goodbye to this special regulation.
Due to a protracted foot injury in the second half of 2021 and a stress fracture in the rib cage last March and April, Nadal slipped to fifth place in the world rankings despite his triumph at the Australian Open. That’s why he was able to meet the top seeded Djokovic so early.
Haas: “We can prepare ourselves for an unbelievable match”
Nevertheless, Haas is looking forward to the cracker in the night session on Tuesday. However, he doesn’t have a favourite: “A bet once morest Rafa at the French Open is actually stupid, but if someone can stop him, it’s certainly Novak Djokovic. Maybe an Alcaraz or Sascha (Zverev, Anm. d. Red.). I am very excited. What kind of tennis is waiting for us is phenomenal,” said the 44-year-old.
In the lower tableau on Wednesday, Casper Ruud meets 19-year-old Holger Rune and Andrey Rublev meets Marin Cilic, who surprisingly knocked out world number two Daniil Medvedev in the eighth final (6: 2, 6: 3, 6: 2).
The duel between Djokovic and Nadal is in the spotlight. “We don’t know how long they will continue to play once morest each other at this top level,” said Haas: “Rafa lost to Djokovic in the semifinals here last year and didn’t play for a long time following that. I think we can expect an incredible match .”
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