Nadal criticises Wimbledon seeding system

Rafael Nadal has questioned Wimbledon's seeding system as the Spaniard looks set to be placed third when they are announced on Wednesday.

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam of the year to operate with a different seeding structure, meaning world number two Nadal is likely to be behind both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

While the US, French and Australian Opens use the ATP and WTA rankings for their seed placings, Wimbledon's take grass-court performances into account.

Defending champions Djokovic and world number three Federer are therefore expected to be above Nadal - who will begin the challenge of winning his fourth title at SW19 from next week.

"I don't think it is a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula," he told Spanish TV station Vamos.

"Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the rankings.

"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."

Seeding third will leave Nadal in the same half of the draw as Djokovic, who beat him over five sets in last year's semi-final en route to lifting the trophy.