Key Takeaways
- Alex de Minaur proposed implementing a shot clock between first and second serves to maintain match tempo.
- The Australian argued that catching or abandoning an errant ball toss should automatically count as a fault.
- The world No. 8 made the suggestions following his straight-sets win over Rei Sakamoto at the Shanghai Masters.
Australian star targets delays during serving routines
Alex de Minaur has put forward two suggestions intended to accelerate the pace of tennis matches, targeting the amount of time competitors spend preparing their serves. The world No. 8 voiced his thoughts following a 7-6, 6-4 win over Rei Sakamoto at the Shanghai Masters, explaining that tightening the regulations could eliminate unnecessary stoppages.
Currently, the sport enforces a 25-second limit between points, yet it lacks an explicit timer tracking the gap between a missed first serve and the second attempt. De Minaur backed the idea of adding a countdown between deliveries, noting in a press conference that it would discourage competitors from wasting moments to regroup.
Stricter stance on ball tosses
Beyond a timer between deliveries, De Minaur suggested an even bolder alteration: penalizing players who choose not to hit their toss. Competitors frequently catch or drop an inaccurate ball toss and restart their pre-serve rituals from the beginning. Under De Minaur’s concept, abandoning a delivery after launching the ball upward would be registered as an immediate fault.
As he explained during his media appearance, “it’s a fault” if a player decides against hitting the toss. He argued that the current leeway allows players to buy extra seconds by resetting their routine whenever they deliver an awkward throw.
Strong form across Asian swing
De Minaur’s comments arrived amid a strong run of results in Asia. Prior to arriving in Shanghai, the Australian reached the final of the China Open in Beijing, where an adductor problem forced him to retire against Novak Djokovic. After overcoming Sakamoto to reach the round of 16 in Shanghai, he earned a matchup against Karen Khachanov.
The Australian also highlighted the presence of a strong support contingent in his player box, including Lleyton Hewitt, Hewitt’s son Cruz, and Jordan Thompson. De Minaur described their backing as positive energy while he continues his bid to secure valuable points for the ATP Finals.
ATP Shanghai - Alex De Minaur's projected path
Alex De Minaur in 2026
Ranked world no.9, the Australian played his last match on the 11th of October when he overcame world no.137 Rei Sakamoto 7-6(6) 6-4 in the 3rd round in Shanghai (draw).
Currently, during this year Alex has achieved a composed 41-19 record. Alex clinched 1 title in Rotterdam.
