Former Grand Slam champion and commentator John McEnroe has hit out at Rafael Nadal for violating the shot clock rule. Nadal has been engaged in a controversy in the past, for not keeping up with the regulations on serve.
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According to the American, he believes that it is a “joke” as to how Nadal avoids any punishment. Earlier this year, Canadian Denis Shapovalov also complained of the 22-time Grand Slam winner getting preferential treatment during his serve.
McEnroe hits out at Rafael Nadal’s service games
The American was part of the Eurosport team commentating the Nadal-Djokovic quarter-final. As per via Tennis365, he said, “He should be penalised. If you are going to do it, do it, otherwise don’t bother. “It is like humouring everyone. It’s a joke! He takes a look at the clock again – one.”
He’s edging it, isn’t he? Shouldn’t they have it at 15 seconds on the second serve? 10? Something? Or don’t bother. It’s like, you can take as much time as you want on the second serve. How long is this game? 12 minutes? Jeez,” he added.
Nadal was assisted with the crowd support, while some fans booed at Djokovic during the match. The Spaniard went on to win the quarter-final on his way to a staggering 14th Roland Garros crown.
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Nadal’s best form in Paris
Despite a rough start to the clay season for the Spaniard, he upped his game into another gear after arriving at Roland Garros last month. A tough fight against young gun Felix Auger Aliassime pushed him to 5 sets, but he regained his form to beat two big names in quick succession.
While Nadal reached the final after an unfortunate injury to Alexander Zverev, he dominated his academy graduate Casper Ruud in the summit clash to win his 22nd Grand Slam crown. After just turning 36, there is plenty left for the legendary Rafael Nadal.
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