Rafael Nadal

Federer ahead of Nadal at Wimbledon

Confirmation came from tournament organisers on Wednesday, after Nadal had pre-empted their announcement by speaking out to express his dissatisfaction at the move.

For the grass-court grand slam that starts next Monday, eight-time champion Federer will be the second seed and two-time winner Nadal the third seed, reversing their positions in the ATP standings.

Wimbledon formulates its men's singles seedings based on world rankings and grass-court results over the last two years, and on the latter basis Federer has a better record than the Spaniard.

Nadal not chasing Federer

Nadal brushed aside Dominic Thiem 6-4 6-3 6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier to add to his record haul at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard will remain world number one rather than Federer following his latest triumph in Paris, where he became only the second player to triumph more than 10 times at the same major - Margaret Court being the other.

Nadal showed he still has a burning desire for success at the age of 32, but said he is not motivated by chasing down long-time rival Federer. 

Rafael Nadal beats Alexander Zverev to win Rome title for an eighth time

Nadal cruised to the first set before defending champion Zverev won nine of the next 11 games to take the second set 6-1 and lead 3-1 in the decider.

But the Spaniard turned the match around following a lengthy rain delay and closed out a 6-1 1-6 6-3 victory.

The win will see Nadal regain the world number one ranking before the French Open which starts next Sunday.

Roger Federer had regained top spot in the rankings when Nadal lost to Dominic Thiem at the Madrid Masters last week, his only defeat on clay this season.

World number one Rafael Nadal will not follow Roger Federer and skip majors

Nadal is aiming to play a full schedule despite his rival Federer sitting out the whole clay court season for the second year in a row.

Federer's decision led to him winning Wimbledon last year before victory at the Australian Open this year.

But Nadal said: "There are tournaments that I can't imagine missing on purpose.

"I don't see myself missing Monte Carlo on purpose. I don't see myself missing Wimbledon on purpose, or the U.S. Open, or Australian, or Rome."

Nadal marches on in Melbourne

World No 1 and top seed Nadal took the opener before dropping a set for the first time in the tournament as 24th seed Schwartzman levelled the contest via a second set tie-break.

However, it was the Spaniard who claimed the quarter-final place on offer, closing out the match, despite typical belligerence from his Argentine opponent, with a 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-3 victory.

Also into the last eight is world No 3 and ATP Finals winner Grigor Dimitrovwho beat home favourite Nick Kyrgios in four sets.

Nadal, Wozniacki cruise through to Open second round with sweeping wins

Playing his first competitive match since pulling out of the ATP Tour Finals with knee trouble in November, the world number one showed no signs of early season rust as he tore through the evening match at Rod Laver Arena in one hour and 34 minutes.

Nadal pulled out of the Brisbane International earlier this month saying his training was slightly behind schedule due to the injury suffered midway through November's ATP Finals in London.

But any doubts over his fitness were allayed by his impressive court coverage while his trademark groundstrokes were on song.

Federer: I should not be favourite

Federer returned from a lengthy injury hiatus 12 months ago to win a stunning 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, while this time his preparation has been virtually perfect.

His rival Rafael Nadal he has not contested a match since November because of knee troubles while the fitness of six-time champion Novak Djokovic is even more uncertain after six months out with an elbow injury, but Federer said of his expectations: "It's totally different.

Nadal: I'm good to play at The O2

The top-seeded Spaniard pulled out of the Paris Masters last week with a right knee injury, casting major doubt over whether he would be fit for the season-ending finale at The O2 in London.

Nadal spoke to Sky Sports in an exclusive interview after arriving in London on Wednesday, when he insisted: "I've done everything I've needed to do to get ready for London."

Nadal, Federer seal Shanghai Masters showdown as Cilic, Del Potro exit

Second-ranked Federer came from behind to beat Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to ensure he would meet Nadal for the fourth time this year in Sunday's final.

Nadal leads the head-to-head with Federer 23-14 but has not beaten the Swiss in 2017, losing in the finals of the Australian Open and Miami Masters and in the last-16 at Indian Wells.

The Spaniard was pushed hard by fourth seed Cilic, who put his booming forehand to good use but could not stop Nadal claiming a 16th consecutive victory.

Federer relishing Nadal final

Nadal battled past Marin Cilic 7-5 7-6 (7-3) in Saturday's opening semi-final, before Federer fought back from a set down to overcome Juan Martin del Potro 3-6 6-3 6-3.

The Spaniard enjoys a 23-14 head-to-head record over his great foe although each of the last four meetings have gone the way of the Swiss, including this year's Australian Open and Miami Masters finals.