Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur has called for changes to the sport’s service rules, advocating for a secondary shot-clock between first and second serves and a strict single-attempt limit on ball tosses during matches, tennisnet.com reported. The world No. 9 announced the proposals during the tournament in Shanghai, pointing to frequent delays that disrupt the flow of play on the ATP Tour.
Tennis Frustrations at the US Open
The debate over service delays intensified during the US Open in New York, where opponents took issue with prolonged ball-bouncing rituals between deliveries. During tournament play at Flushing Meadows, Alexander Zverev faced scrutiny from competitors regarding his extended pauses between his first and second serves. Karen Khachanov, who met Zverev in the semifinals, alongside tournament finalist Ben Shelton, voiced complaints over the lengthy delays during those matches.
De Minaur noted that the current rules only enforce a strict time limit via the shot-clock between standard points before the first serve is initiated. Once the initial serve faults or is delayed, no equivalent countdown governs the seconds ticking away prior to the second delivery. The 27-year-old contends that adding a secondary timer would eliminate deliberate stalling and maintain a consistent tempo across all matches.
A Single Ball-Drop Limit
Beyond time constraints, the Australian Davis Cup player targeted the frequent halting of service motions. Under current regulations, players can catch or bat down a ball toss repeatedly before committing to a swing. De Minaur argues that athletes should receive only one permitted ball toss per service attempt; catching or abandoning the motion would immediately register as a fault.
Backing from Tour Veterans
Former world No. 4 and prominent tennis coach Brad Gilbert voiced absolute support for the proposed reforms. Gilbert, who guided figures such as Andre Agassi and Coco Gauff to Grand Slam titles, endorsed the stance in strong terms. “He has to 1000 percent right,” Gilbert said of De Minaur’s proposals. “I say since 40 years, that it is ridiculous to the ball at service arbitrarily often new to throw to be allowed.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific rule changes is Alex de Minaur proposing for tennis serves?
Alex de Minaur is proposing the introduction of a secondary shot-clock specifically for the interval between a player’s first and second serves. He also wants to limit players to a single ball-toss attempt per serve, meaning any aborted motion or caught toss would immediately count as a fault.
Which players sparked the recent debate over service delays?
Discussions regarding slow play peaked during the US Open matches involving Alexander Zverev. Opponents including Karen Khachanov and Ben Shelton openly criticized the prolonged ball-bouncing routine between first and second serves.
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