Seeding rules in women's tennis are a "kind of punishment" for players such as Serena Williams after maternity leave and "should be changed", says the tournament director of the Miami Open.
James Blake, a former world number four, was speaking after Williams, 36, was drawn against Naomi Osaka in the opening round of this week's event.
She is unseeded after taking 13 months off to have her first child.
"It makes sense to protect someone who goes on maternity leave," said Blake.
"The rules should help her get the benefit of an easier draw and a better path.