Wimbledon sets itself apart from the other slams not only with the London traditions but with it's out of the ordinary seeding system. The directors of the year's 3rd slams give themselves the privilege of seeding the players not based on their rankings, but based on their grass-court records. This year the folks over at SW19 have made headlines in putting world number 2 Roger Federer as the top seed rather than the new world number 1, Rafael Nadal. Federer has won 6 titles at Wimbledon, while Rafa has just 1. The Spaniards last title, though, came the last time he played, in 2008, as injury kept him out of the 2009 championships.
Had Roger won that title in 2008, I would agree with the decision to swap the two but Rafa's current form is just too good, especially compared to Fed's, to not reward the reigning Roland Garros champion the top seed. But I'm sure he doesn't mind; most of his Majors have been won while seeded 2nd, right?
In other seeding changes, Lleyton Hewitt, who beat Federer last week in winning the Halle title, was bumped up 11 spots to no. 15, while big-serving Ivo Karlovic's impressive run at last year's tournament prompted a raise from number 33rd to 25th. Andy Roddick was seeded 5th, two higher than his world ranking.
There were minimal changes in the women's seedings, as Serena and Venus Williams take the 1 and 2 spot respectively. Elena Dementieva withdrew from the slam yesterday, meaning Francesca Schiavone gets raised one spot to 5th.
