"It's not great that today we are playing for nothing" - Rafael Nadal unhappy with current United Cup format

Rafael Nadal lauded the level of competition but pointed out flaws in the format of the inaugural United Cup after losing successive matches in Sydney.

Nadal went down to Britain's Cameron Norrie earlier in the mixed-gender event. He then failed to get back to winning ways when he lost to Alex de Minaur of Australia on Monday. The Spaniard then lamented the fact that the significance of the Spain-Australia clash had already diminished. This is because Great Britain qualified for the knockouts from Group D on Sunday.

Read also

Alex de Minaur wins crazy battle against Rafael Nadal in United Cup

"Putting things in perspective, that this competition I find a negative point, you know," Nadal said in a post-match interview. "Competition is great. Idea is great. It's not great that today we are playing for nothing. I really believe - it's the first year of this competition, so that's kind of things that need to fix, to improve, and to make it more interesting for everyone."  

Great Britain first beat Australia before going on to defeat Spain. This meant that both losing teams were already out of contention for the next round before playing each other.

Read also

"He's very supportive": Badosa on Nadal factor at United Cup

The World No. 2 also observed that in a group of three, the loser of the opening tie should ideally take on a side that hadn't played. He opted out of the final mixed doubles clash against Britain, which was a dead rubber, after being slated to take to the court alongside Paula Badosa.

"I really believe that in a group of three, the loser of the first tie needs to play with the team that didn't play yet, because that makes the competition much more interesting," Nadal said."Because, for example yesterday, even if we lost yesterday, with the format how it is, the last mixed doubles match probably I will be playing, because maybe that match can make a difference even losing the tie because we have another day."