When Wimbledon made its draw last Friday, two names appeared near one another: John Isner and Nicolas Mahut.  What were the odds of that?  Roughly speaking, less than 1%, but not much less.

There were accusations that Wimbledon organizers rigged this, even though the draw was conducted in public (which would require some sleight of hand).  However, there’s another vague “pairing” that should be more noteworthy because of how frequently it happens.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the same half of a Slam.

For years, Federer was either seeded 1 or 2 and Djokovic was seeded 3.  In the last two Slams, Federer is ranked and seeded 3, and Djokovic is 2.  And yet, we can go back 3 years to find that they are in the same half a preposterous number of times.

2008

Australian Open–Djokovic upsets Federer in the semifinals

French Open–Djokovic loses to Nadal in the semis

Wimbledon–Djokovic in same half as Federer

US Open–Federer beats Djokovic in semis

Tally: Federer and Djokovic in same half 3 of 4 Slams

2009

Australian Open–Djokovic and Federer in same half

French Open–Djokovic and Federer in same half

Wimbledon–Djokovic and Federer in same half

US Open–Federer beats Djokovic in semis

Tally: Federer and Djokovic in same half 4 of 4 Slams

2010

Australian Open–Djokovic and Federer in same half

French Open–Djokovic and Nadal in same half

Wimbledon–Djokovic and Federer in same half

US Open–Djokovic beats Federer in semis

Tally: Federer and Djokovic in same half 3 of 4 Slams

2010

Australian Open–Djokovic and Federer in same half

French Open–Djokovic and Federer in same half

Wimbledon–Djokovic and Federer in same half

Tally: Federer and Djokovic in same half 3 of 3 Slams

Total

In the last 15 Slams, Djokovic and Federer have been in the same half 13 times.  Now what are the odds of that?