Rafael Nadal has hit out at the super tie-break rules in place for doubles matches at the Paris Olympics as he plays alongside compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.
The 38-year-old and his compatriot made the third round of their competition with a narrow win over Dutch duo Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof on Tuesday.
Nadal and Alcaraz had to use a super tie-break to get the job done, with the pair eventually winning 7-4, 6-7, 10-2.
But that hasn’t stopped the former world No 1 and 22-time Grand Slam winner from criticising the rules in place.
Rafael Nadal has hit out at the super tie-break rules in place for the Paris Olympics
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“The thing is that in doubles everything gets complicated very quickly,” he said.
“And that was seen in the second set, where being better than them and having more opportunities than the rest, you get to the tie-break and you lose them.
“On a personal level, I think it is totally unnecessary to play an Olympics with a super tie-break.
“In a circuit tournament, I think it is understandable because it allows singles players to also compete in doubles, but the games are every four years and they are the most important doubles matches of our lives and this format is a bit of a lottery.”
Despite Nadal and Alcaraz being a formidable double act, the 38-year-old admits he’s found it difficult during the games so far.
The two-time gold medal winner said: “We had fun because the score was positive in the tiebreak.
“We have been suffering but we are enjoying playing together.
“We are creating good synergies, good energy, so yeah, we are having fun in general terms.
“We have the positive relationship outside of the court that helps inside.
“We are happy we are in quarter-finals, closer to the goals. Let’s keep being focused.”
Nadal hasn’t been able to stay with his family during the Paris Olympics.
He is staying in the Olympic Village, though his wife, Mery Perello, and their young son have been present at his matches so far.
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Rafael Nadal admits he’s been ‘suffering’ alongside Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics
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When asked about his son, he said: “He’s not old enough to have any idea. He’s just having fun.
“Things are always beautiful when you have the family with you.”
And the tennis icon says he’s glad his family are there in France, even if he can’t spend much time with them.
“It’ll be great to play with him watching me and knowing a little bit what’s going on but (it) seems it’s difficult to make that happen because he’s not even two years old yet,” he continued.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are eager to win gold for Spain at the Paris Olympics
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“They are happy travelling with me, even here I cannot spend time with them because I’m in the village but I’m lucky they are ready to travel with me when I’m not in the Olympics.
“And even here after the match, spending 15 minutes with them gives me a lot, so that’s important for me now.”