ATP Queen’s Club: Frustrated Carlos Alcaraz Blames Bizarre Rule in Salty Reaction to Loss Over Jack Draper

The rule changes by the ATP to make the game more intriguing for the fans to watch have caused a massive uproar among the players. Recently, the men’s tennis governing body changed the serve clock rule. Instead of starting after the umpire had called the score of the previous point, the serve clock now starts after the previous point is done. This gives little time for the players in between the points, thereby fastening the play. However, even the top players like Carlos Alcaraz are feeling the heat due to this rule change.

Recently, the Spaniard began his preparations for defending his crown at the Queen’s Club Championships. However, his journey there came to a premature end as the local star, Jack Draper, got the better of him in straight sets 7-6 (3), 6-3. This is a major blow to Alcaraz, who was the top seed and the defending champion there. Later, he explained what led to this shocking defeat.

The Spaniard is not a fan of the new rules being tried out at the Queen’s Club Championships. With this, a player gets exactly 25 seconds in between the points, which gives them hardly any breathing space. As a result, Alcaraz felt that things were being rushed on the court which affected his pre-serve routine. Additionally, the Spaniard will also pass on this feedback to the ATP.

The new rule change brought in a significant change to Alcaraz’s playing style. He is not someone who likes rushing in things and this was very well evident during his matches in London. He even highlighted how ‘bad’ it was for players.

Carlos Alcaraz explains the change in his routine with new ATP rule

The Spaniard appeared in an interview after his defeat against Draper in which he vented out his frustration at the ATP’s new serve clock rule. He even revealed how it became a major reason for his poor performance in the tournament as it changed his serving routine.

Alcaraz said, “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. I mean, I’m not saying to go to a towel and taking 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.”

However, the ATP has only introduced this rule at the Queen’s Club Championships as a trial. Alcaraz will pass on his feedback to the ATP, following which they’ll evaluate if this rule is to be made permanent. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will look to go back to the drawing board and analyze his defeat. Can he come back strongly at the Wimbledon Championships? Let us know your views in the comments below.