Wimbledon have an unusual seeding formula which takes into account a player’s results on grass courts over the last two years.
That has led to world No 2 Nadal being dropped down to third seed, behind Federer.
Nadal criticised the All England Club for not respecting his world ranking as the Spaniard could now have to beat both Djokovic and Federer to win the title.
And defending champion Djokovic could not believe the Spaniard may be in his half of the draw – meaning a repeat of last year’s epic semi-final showdown is a possibility.
“They do it differently to everyone else and you have to respect that, although it is a little bit surprising,” Djokovic said.
“Roger Federer is the greatest of all-time on grass courts and he has won more Wimbledon titles than anyone else in history, but the guy he is being moved ahead of in the seeings is Rafael Nadal.
“For that reason, it is surprising a little bit, but it is what it is.”
Nadal could have had a clear run to the Wimbledon final if he was second seed and the draw was kind.
But upon finding out Federer has leapfrogged him, he blasted the British Grand Slam’s way of working.
“They do not respect the status that some players have earned throughout the season,” Nadal told Movistar.
“It’s the same as always, Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that does what they think in that sense, it’s their criteria.
“Whatever it is, whether I’m number two or number three I’ll have to play at my best.
“Obviously it is better to be number two than three but if they consider that I must be three, I will accept and fight to try to win the matches and compete well with the rivals.”
The Wimbledon draw takes place on Friday, where players will find out their path to the final.
Kevin Anderson, who was runner-up last year, is the fourth seed, behind Djokovic, Federer and Nadal.
