Wimbledon: Rusedski ‘excited’ by Nadal fifth-seed status

The Spaniard could well form an awkward obstacle in the last eight for either one of tennis’ other big three, though Rusedski, the former British No 1, is confident Andy Murray could handle such an early challenge. Roger Federer,  Novak Djokovic and Murray will all hope to avoid being included in the Spaniard’s half of the draw, when it is made this morning.

The two-time Wimbledon champion has dropped to number five in the world after a seven month lay-off due to injury, and Wimbledon’s seeding system is based largely on this ranking.

“I can understand it because he lost in the second round last year and I think it adds excitement to the tournament because somebody is going to get stuck with him in the quarters,” Rusedski said.

“You need a little bit of luck in the draw, so let’s hope it’s Djokovic or Rafa who get stuck with him and not Andy,” added Rusedski, who made it to the semi-final at Wimbledon in 1997. “If Andy does he might have to go Nadal, Federer and then after that to Djokovic in the final, possibly.”

However, even if this does happen, Rusedski is confident Murray has the game to overcome such a series of difficult opponents. Speaking on the first afternoon of the Brodies Champions of Tennis event in Edinburgh, where he lost in two sets to Mark Philippoussis, Rusedski said he had never seen Murray looking as confident as he does now.

“I think Andy could still win even with a run like that,” he stressed. “He has beaten Rafa before, he’s playing well and is looking relaxed after having some time off during the French Open.”