John McEnroe criticizes French Open's decision to not seed Rafael Nadal

Monday, 27 May 2024 at 00:30

John McEnroe criticized the French Open for not seeding Rafael Nadal. According to the American icon, it makes no sense that the 14-time Roland Garros champion faces Alexander Zverev in the first round.

The German arrives in great form after winning his first Masters 1000 in two years at the Rome Open. Nadal and Zverev will face off on Monday on Court Phillipe Chatrier, repeating the 2022 semifinals where Zverev left the court in a wheelchair after an ankle injury.

McEnroe questions French Open's seeding decisions

Seeding positions are usually determined based on ATP rankings, at least currently in all Grand Slams. However, a few years ago, Wimbledon had a system for determining seeds that considered players' long-term performance, particularly in grass tournaments, so they were not exactly the same as the rankings.

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After more than a year where injuries have prevented him from playing enough, Nadal is barely ranked No. 275 and it is the first time he plays the main draw of the French Open without being a seed. In fact, he was always among the top six seeds.

Luck was not on Nadal's side as he will play against the world No. 4 in the first round. McEnroe criticized the situation: “It makes no sense that someone who has won 14 times is not seeded. It is the way the tournament has always acted. For me it is crazy,” the American told the media, as quoted by Marca.

Rafael Nadal at 2024 Madrid Open.

“It is the most interesting first round of a Major that I remember and the toughest in the Open Era for someone like Nadal,” he added. “He has to do whatever he wants. He loves to compete and if he loses to Zverev it does not mean that all his records at Roland Garros will be lost. Maybe his time has come to be a father and everyone’s time has come.”

“Maybe I’m wrong and he’ll be able to do something special here. It’s a question mark as to how his body will recover as the rounds go by. On the one hand it will be a surprise, and on the other it won’t. People like him, Novak, or Roger are Superman.”

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The 7-time Grand Slam champion also commented that Zverev has good chances to win the title: “[Zverev] has a real chance of winning in Paris if he focuses solely and exclusively on tennis and not on other things off the court. I believe that the 2020 US Open should have been his. Sascha’s serve is working better than ever,” McEnroe added.

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Last time they met at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal hit THIS shot vs Alexander Zverev, whilst down 2-6 in the first set tie-break, before going on to win the set 🤯 In just a few days, they meet again, with Zverev the firm betting favourite… 👀😬