At the US Open, Alexander Zverev’s extensive ball-bouncing routine before serves has ignited a fierce debate over court time limits, drawing sharp criticism from finalist Ben Shelton and other top competitors. Following his 6:3, 7:6 (7:2), 5:7, 6:2 victory in New York, Zverev faced renewed scrutiny over his pre-service habits, prompting calls from his opponents for formal rule adjustments to govern the pacing of tennis matches.
Zverev’s Service Routine Sparks US Open Outcry
The Loophole in Tennis Time Rules
The discussion centers on the prolonged pauses between points during Zverev’s service games. While tennis rules mandate that players must put the ball into play within 25 seconds of the umpire calling the score before the first serve, no equivalent time restriction currently exists before a second serve. Throughout the tournament, the German player routinely bounced the ball numerous times before delivering his serves, a habit that frustrated opponents who spent extended stretches waiting in ready positions.
Rivals Push Back Against the Delays
“I think there should be a rule,” Shelton said following the final match. “You shouldn’t have unlimited time. I think, for our sport, it’s difficult to wait so long for the next ballpoint.”
The complaints extended beyond the championship match. Karen Khachanov, Zverev’s semifinal opponent, also voiced objections to the routine. “That bothers not only me, but of course many players, because it takes so much time,” the Russian competitor stated during the tournament.
During the final itself, Bryan Shelton—Ben’s father and coach, and a former professional player—commented on the disruption during a broadcast appearance. “Sascha bounces the ball so often, that throws you out,” he said on ESPN.
Clashes With Officials on the Court
The pace of play also brought Zverev into direct discussions with match officials. Because some service routines exceeded standard pacing expectations, Zverev received a code violation warning from chair umpire Marijana Veljovic during the final.
Shelton reported that Veljovic advised him during the match to prepare earlier for Zverev’s serves. The 23-year-old American pushed back against that expectation, explaining the physical toll of holding an athletic stance for prolonged periods while waiting for an opponent to complete their ritual.
“I’m not going to stand for 30 seconds in a position with bent knees and a tense body while I wait,” Shelton said. “If he bounces the ball 20 to 25 times, I shouldn’t just have to stand there and wait.” At the same time, Shelton dismissed suggestions that his late-match fatigue stemmed from the delays, clarifying that the waiting time did not directly cause his physical decline toward the end of the four-set encounter.
Pressure Mounts for Governing Bodies
The debate highlights an ongoing challenge for tennis governing bodies in managing match duration and rhythm. As players continue to push boundaries within current rule frameworks, pressure mounts from competitors to introduce stricter enforcement or clock limits for second serves to maintain a steady flow of play.
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