I suppose at least we'll have a face-off between the two best players on this surface.
They put the three strongest players against each other in the top half
of the draw, thus leaving the lower half an easier run to the final. It
also means the two or three most likely final players have been forced
down to one of them.
Whoever set the draw had a plan, and it turns out much like they hoped I suspect, and it wasn't to get the two best players a chance to reach the final. This will weaken the winner of this contest in the semi-final match, and the final presuming one of them makes it through.
I've reached the conclusion that they're trying to level the field by forcing them to face each other earlier than they should. Plus, putting the two best against each other earlier means they might be worn down for a final against the younger side of the draw.
As for Nadal mentioning his time preference for play, it doesn't hurt to ask. I favor Novak in this match-up, but I do understand that Rafa has a preferred time of play. Not mentioning might cost him an edge.
