Plans by Carlos Alcaraz Carlos Alcaraz Alcaraz ATP discusses a “new” shot time regulation following their loss at Queen’s Club.
Carlos Alcaraz, who felt hurried after his loss to Jack Draper at Queen’s Club, promised to talk to the ATP regarding the “new” shot clock regulation that is being tested.
In front of his home audience, Alcaraz’s Wimbledon title defense plans took a knock as he lost shockingly 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 to new British No. 1 Draper in the final 16.
The countdown to a serve now starts nearly instantly after a point is finished, as opposed to the past practice of the 25-second shot clock starting only when the chair umpire called the score.
The new rule has been in trial since the French Open ended and is likely to be in place in ATP events through the end of the season. Its goals are to ensure consistent time management and streamline game flow.
Alcaraz claimed he had no time to go through his usual protocol during the game and that he had spoken with chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani about his worries..
He informed me that the clock never stops and that this is the new norm. The clock is ticking down once the point is over, the world No. 2 stated.
“I believe it’s a negative thing for the players. I had no time to ask for balls when I finished the point at the net. I’m not suggesting that I take my time and go to a towel. It seems like I am unable to request the balls.
It’s absurd. I only need two balls, please, and no bounces; I have time. That is something I have never seen in tennis.
“You have time to get a towel or inquire about your routine if you play a long point or finish near the net.
If you play a long point or finish close to the net, you have time to get a towel or ask questions about your technique.
When events occur that are outside of a player’s or tournament’s control, the umpires are said to have the authority to halt the shot clocks.
Is the French Open winner Alcaraz in contact with the governing body?
Having just played two grass matches, the Spaniard replied, “Not yet, but I will, for sure.” He will now proceed to Wimbledon, which begins on July 1.
