Carlos Alcaraz has expressed his dissatisfaction with a controversial new shot clock rule being trialed at the Queen’s Club Championships this week. The rule, which starts the 25-second shot clock immediately after the conclusion of the point instead of when the umpire calls the score, has faced criticism from players, including Alcaraz.
Alcaraz, who faced a surprising 7-6(3), 6-3 defeat to British player Jack Draper in the second round, was visibly flustered by the new timing rule. During the match, he was seen debating with umpire Mo Lahyani and later admitted his frustration with the on-trial procedure.
“He [Lahyani] told me that there is a new rule, this new thing, that the clock never stops. After the point is finished, the clock is putting on,” Alcaraz explained. “I think for the player it is something bad. I mean, I finish the point at the net, and I had no time to ask for the balls.”
Alcaraz elaborated on his concerns, stating, “I mean, I’m not saying to go to a towel and take my time. I feel like I can’t ask for the balls. It’s crazy. I have time just to ask for two balls and no bounces. I think I have never seen something like that in tennis.”
Reflecting on the impact of the rule during the match, Alcaraz noted, “Today I felt like I was in a rush all the time. I had no time to bounce and do my routine. Of course, it’s something bad for the players, I think.”
This defeat means Alcaraz will drop to world No. 3 next week, falling below Novak Djokovic. Despite this, with Djokovic’s participation in Wimbledon still uncertain, Alcaraz may remain a top-two seed at the All England Club.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to stay in Britain to prepare for Wimbledon. “I don’t think I’m going to go back home,” he said. “I think the best way to be better on grass is to stay here, practice with players, physically doing good stuff on grass and the movement, really specific things.”
Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, is expected to join him later in the week. Alcaraz remains focused and optimistic about his Wimbledon campaign, expressing his excitement and determination to perform well at the prestigious tournament.
“I’m really excited to be starting Wimbledon. Of course, I really want to win every title that I go to, and I think Wimbledon is even more special,” Alcaraz stated. “I have time, and [I’m] excited to start the first match on Centre Court.”
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
LWWWWWWWWL Currently the world no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 20th of June when he was overcome by world no.31 Jack Draper 7-6(3) 6-3 in the 2nd round in London (draw).
This season the Spaniard has achieved a composed 26-6 record. Alcaraz clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells and French Open.
Carlos Alcaraz |
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