What is your opinion on the floating third seed?

Question

In pretty much every other sport, number 1 and 4 square off in the semis leaving 2 and 3 to battle it out. However, tennis defies this, with the third seed given a 50/50 chance of meeting one or two. I've always thought this was ridiculous, esp cos number 1 and 3 could end up facing each other in every single grand slam in one year if luck had it. But I wanna hear what other think.

Answer 1

I think its a good idea, you dont want the no.1 to have an easier path to the final that the no.2. and this way it gives everyone a more equal chance. im pretty sure that 1 and 3 havent faced eachother in any grandslams recently. at the end of the day the best player will win regardless of ranking.

Answer 2

Well, that really depends on the draw. And being the #1 tennis player doesn't necessarily mean being the best. Take for example Ivanovic & Venus Williams. Ivanovic is number 1 but we all know that Venus is way better than her.

Answer 3

Usually, #3 and #4 should be players very close in ability. Unfortunately, you have the top 3 who are in a league of their own and the rest who suck (excluding the younger upcoming players). I bet if #4 was actually deserving of his spot, then you wouldn't have cared as to who faces #3 in the semi's.

Answer 4

Good point! But it doesn't really matter, because if you look at it, the number one and number three players haven't faced each other too often! It all depends on the PLAYER and not the draw. If you're good, you'll win, no matter what.

Answer 5

it is fair because the way the itf mandates draws is to ensure that you do not always play the same player/ know who you are going to play. Also this is the way is works for all other seeds like 8 has a chance of being in the top or bottom half.