Federer and Nadal opened their French Open campaigns on the newly renovated Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday and Monday respectively.
But for their second round matches on Wednesday, French Open officials have opted to separate them again and Nadal has been relegated to Court Suzanne Lenglen for his match with Yannick Maden.
Federer is the third match on Chatrier after home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga plays Kei Nishikori.
While Nadal is second on Lenglen after the all-Ukrainian tie between Elina Svitolina vs Kateryna Kozlova.
Taking Nadal, who is aiming for a historic 12th Roland Garros title, off Chatrier was a bold decision by the organisers and it has been met with frustration by supporters of the clay court legend.
One fan wrote: “11-time champ Rafa gets shunted out to Suzanne Lenglen. Would never happen to Fed though.”
Another said: “Nadal on Lenglen. What has the world come to?”
A Nadal devotee remarked: “#Rafa who has raised 11 @rolandgarros trophies, who is the 2-time defending champ is on #Lenglen. Fed 1 time champ who has never beaten Rafa here gets Chatrier.
“It’s an insult pure & simple.
One Federer fan came out against the scheduling saying: “I know a lot of people don’t care about scheduling, but I’m one of those people who think Nadal’s earned the right to never play off Chatrier.
“I love Federer, but he shouldn’t get priority at this tournament over Nadal.”
But another supporter defended the decision claiming: “What’s so surprising? French crowd loves Roger….he is the most popular player in Paris (excluding few local French players).”
FRENCH OPEN ORDER OF PLAY – MAY 29
COURT PHILIPPE CHATRIER
Stephens vs Sorribes
Nishikori vs Tsonga
Federer vs Otte
Kuzmova vs Bertens