As the clay court of the French Open sets up, the debate over Rafael Nadal’s seeding situation intensifies. It all started after the tournament organizers set him up against the current World No. 4 in the main draw of the tournament just yesterday. But, should the 14-time winner of the Roland Garros receive special treatment to enter the tournament without playing the draw? Various tennis fans and experts alike have weighed in on the subject. Recently, former tennis pro, Sam Querrey expressed his opinion about it too.

The Racquet’s Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast’s co-hosts, Rennae Stubbs and Sam Querrey, arranged a special episode on May 21. In the podcast, they discussed the various aspects of the upcoming events in Paris, Roland Garros, and then the Olympics. While talking about the recent headlines made by Rafael Nadal, ranked 276th in the World, Stubbs asked Querrey, “Would you have given him a seed?”.

Querrey’s response was straightforward and unapologetic. “I would not have given him a seed. Even if he was ranked, you know, they seed the top 32 of the French Open, even if he was ranked 33 right now, which he’s not he’s ranked in the hundreds, I still wouldn’t have given him a seed,” Querrey stated. Explaining the reason behind the statement, he added, “I think if you’re top 32 in the world, you’ve done the work, you deserve a seed…his current situation and the way he’s playing he I don’t think he deserves a seed. And the guys in the top 32 have put in the work and they’re there for a reason.”

Did you know the two have met 6 times in their careers? American Sam Querrey delivered a stunning performance, defeating Rafael Nadal in straight sets (6-3, 7-6(3)) to win the 2017 ATP Mexico Open championship. Querrey, then-ranked 40th in the world, unleashed a powerful serve with 19 aces, finally securing his first victory over then-second seed Nadal in their five career meetings. This win also ended Nadal’s perfect record in Acapulco, where he had previously won tournaments in 2005 and 2013 without dropping a single set. Their most recent encounter came at the 2019 Wimbledon quarterfinals, where Nadal extended his lead in their head-to-head record to 5-1.

Circling back to the current scenario, the 22 Grand Slam Champion suffered a hip flexor injury that compelled him to stay away from the spotlight for the majority of last year. Although he came back in January this year and played in Brisbane, his injury prevailed. But this time it was his muscle tear that became the reason. Therefore, he had to withdraw from Indian Wells and then Monte-Carlo as well.

These inconsistencies ultimately led to a sharp decline in his career ranking. And now, he is suffering the consequences. The athlete who once ruled the clay court and was aptly described as “King of Clay” had to go through the main draw for the French Open, as he is not seeded. According to the tournament rules, only 32 of the highest-ranked players are seeded. And sadly, Nadal is nowhere near that ranking. 

In the past, similar situations occurred twice in 2014 and 2022, when persistent injuries made him fall below the top rankings. However, Rafael Nadal emerged victorious in both of those years. But, this time, the tournament director, Gilbert Yisen, stated, “Today, it is his sporting level, it seems, which has fallen. He is not hampered. So, we will not adjust the seedings in his favor.” However, Rafael Nadal remains optimistic about his upcoming play.

Rafael Nadal just wants “to enjoy” his days in the French Open tournament

The last time Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev met in the French Open was during the semifinal of 2022. It was the same match where Zverev had to retire because of his ankle injury, with Nadal taking home the walkover win. Fast forward to two years later, and Nadal is all set to face him for the 11th time in his career.

Rafa has also been practicing all week on site to make a huge comeback. With the news of his looming retirement, this is indeed going to be a special tournament for the Spaniard. But Nadal’s goal is simple. “I just want to enjoy every day,” he previously admitted. The 37-year-old further continued and added, “I cannot predict what kind of emotions I am going to have there.”

The debate on his ranking and seeding is yet to be over. But one thing is certain: Rafael Nadal’s legacy in Roland Garros will remain untouched forever.