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Wimbledon 2014: Novak Djokovic surprised after being handed top seeding

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the end of their French
Image: Serbia's Novak Djokovic will be the top seed for Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic admitted his surprise after being hoisted to top seed for this year's Wimbledon championships which start next Monday.

The 2011 champion, who finished as runner-up to Andy Murray at last year's tournament, was given a boost, despite being ranked world No 2.

Twice former champion Rafa Nadal, the world No 1, paid the price for losing in the first round in 2013 and second round 12 months earlier. He was seeded second while Murray was seeded third.

Seven-times champion Roger Federer was named as the fourth seed, meaning neither he nor Djokovic, Nadal or Murray can face each other before the semi-finals.

The Serbian admitted he was surprised with the seedings: "A little bit to be honest. I appreciate the respect that I get from the Wimbledon tournament - I always tried to perform my best tennis in this tournament.       

I appreciate the respect that I get from the Wimbledon tournament - I always tried to perform my best tennis in this tournament.
Novak Djokovic

"I dreamt to win, which happened in 2011. I had some success there, many semi-finals and finals, and it may have affected the decision. It's a responsibility, an extra pressure if I can say it like that.

"It's all part of the sport, it's privilege and a responsibility I have to overcome as a top player. I have to deliver my best game in London."

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Seeding drop for Stan

World No 3 Stan Wawrinka has never got beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon and has lost in the first round in 2012 and 2013. That modest form is reflected in his seeding of five.

"Wimbledon, they do what they want. For me it's fine," said Australian Open champion Wawrinka when asked about the seeding system when he was at Queen's Club last week where he made the semi-finals.

"I knew that with my past two years on grass I didn't have any results, so for sure my ranking will drop a little bit for the seedings.

"At the end of the day, it doesn't change much. You have to play well. You have to start the tournament well if you want to go far, and that's simple."

Wimbledon is the only grand slam that does not automatically follow the men's rankings when seedings are decided. Instead, officials rely on a three-stage formula which takes into account grass-court performances of the past two seasons.

The draw takes place on Friday, with the first round starting on June 23.

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