How do super tie-breaks at 2024 Paris Olympic Games tennis work as Nadal complains about deciding set rules
ATP
Hitting the headlines due to Andy Murray/Dan Evans and Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz' travails with it, the super tie-break rules at the Olympic Games have divided opinion. But how do they work?
Olympic Games tennis matches in Paris are played as best of three sets. Singles matches include three full tie-break sets. These are first to seven points. Winning by at least two points as seen on the ATP and WTA Tours is needed.
In doubles however a super tie-break is used to replace the third and deciding set. In most doubles matches including at Grand Slams, they are played out as best-of-three sets. Paris 2024 has seen this final set replaced by a tie-break. If each team wins one set and the match is tied at 1-1, a tie-break game is played in lieu of a third set.
But Rafael Nadal who was taken to the final set last night against Wesley Koolhof and Tallon Griekspoor lamented the format to Marca. He believes it is too complicated.
Albeit these words come from a player who doesn't typically play doubles and already has lamented format and scheduling this week surrounding his Olympic Games. It has added extra games though onto the match and also a lack of breaks.
While in the flow of a normal set, there is breaks in between. It is more cutthroat and means that a match can be over very quickly after initially going the distance over the course of two prior sets.
"What happens is that in doubles everything gets complicated very quickly and it was seen in the second set, where you were better than them and had more chances to rest, but you get to the tie-break and you lose them," he said.
Rafael Nadal returns to action on Wednesday evening alongside Alcaraz as they will face the established pairing of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek. The debate no doubt will rumble on despite that.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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