"Totally unnecessary to play Olympics with a super tiebreak" - Rafael Nadal slams 'lottery' format in 'important' doubles matches with Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal has laid bare his frustration with the super tiebreak format used in doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Partnering with Carlos Alcaraz, the Spaniard is on the hunt for his second gold medal in men's doubles following his triumph with Marc Lopez at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Nadal and Alcaraz's much-awaited doubles partnership has lived up to the high expectations, as the Spanish duo have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Olympics. The pair took on Dutchmen Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in the second round, engaging in a closely contested battle.

After splitting the first two sets, the match proceeded to a decisive super tiebreak of 10 points instead of the third set, per the ITF's regulations. Nadal and Alcaraz dominated the tiebreak to claim a 6-4, 6-7(2), 10-2 victory in two hours and 24 minutes.

Despite their triumph, Rafael Nadal lamented their missed opportunities to close out the win in the second set, asserting that the super tiebreak can complicate matters.

"The thing is that in doubles everything gets complicated very quickly and that was seen in the second set, where being better than them and having more opportunities than the rest, you get to the tiebreak and you lose them," he said (via Marca).

The 22-time Grand Slam champion also criticized the ITF's decision to use a super tiebreak in doubles at the Paris Olympics, deeming it "totally unnecessary."

The former World No. 1 argued that the format reduces the deciding factor to a "lottery" instead of a test of skill, especially in the "most important" doubles matches of his career.

"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," he said.

Rafael Nadal on 'enjoying' doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz at Paris Olympics: "It's a beautiful thing because we know it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity"

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty)

Despite airing his grievances with the format, Rafael Nadal took satisfaction in their victory, asserting that he and Carlos Alcaraz displayed more harmonious teamwork than in their debut match together.

"We played much better than the first day. In general terms, I think we played more in harmony and more solidly throughout and I think we were better than our rivals," he said.

The 38-year-old also expressed his gratitude for the immense love and support shown to them by the crowd, disclosing that he and Alcaraz were thoroughly enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"The atmosphere has been impressive and I'm enjoying every game I play here, with a level of affection and support that's hard to imagine. We're enjoying it together and it's a beautiful thing because we know it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he added.

With a place in the semifinals at stake, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will take on fourth seeds Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek from the USA at the Paris Olympics.