French Open: Rafael Nadal Ranked Too Low? Tommy Haas agrees with Patrick McEnroe

“It’s a bit unfortunate that it’s so early,” Haas said regarding the expected quarter-final match between Nadal (21 Grand Slam titles) and Djokovic (20 Grand Slam titles).

“I had a look at Patrick McEnroe on Instagram and I have to agree with him that the organizers could and should have put Rafa Nadal in second place after winning the championship 13 times,” the world number two continued.

American McEnroe, the former professional and brother of seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe, had already slammed the Roland Garros rankings list after the draw.

“Come to the French Open, it’s time to step away from this classification. We had Nadal and Djokovic in the semi-finals last year. One of the biggest matches ever – in the semi-finals. Tennis needs a match like this in the final!” 55-year-old Instagram video.

McEnroe wants the old Wimbledon rules

McEnroe does not understand that this year’s 59th meeting between Serbs and Spaniards will actually take place in the quarter-finals. Instead, he would like relegation, as was used at Wimbledon until 2019.

Until three years ago, in addition to the position in the ATP rankings, the results on the grass in the past two years were decisive for the seeding position. But since 2019, Wimbledon has called this special list.

Due to a prolonged foot injury in the second half of 2021 and a stress fracture in the rib cage last March and April, Nadal slipped to fifth in the world rankings despite his victory at the Australian Open. That’s why he was able to meet top seed Djokovic so early.

Haas: We can prepare for an incredible match

However, Haas is looking forward to eating crackers at Tuesday’s evening session. However, he has no favourite: “Betting on Rafa at the French Open is actually stupid, but if someone can stop him, it’s definitely Novak Djokovic. Maybe Alcaraz or Sasha (Zverev, He pointed out. red.). I’m so excited. “What kind of tennis awaits us is tremendous,” said the 44-year-old.

In the bottom plate on Wednesday, Casper Rudd with 19-year-old Holger Ron and Andrey Rublev meets Marin Cilic, who surprisingly defeated world number two Daniil Medvedev in the eighth final (6:2, 6:3, 6:2).

The duel between Djokovic and Nadal in the spotlight. Haas said: “We don’t know how long they will continue to play each other at this high level. Rafa lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals here last year and he hasn’t played for long after that. I think we can expect a great match.”