In the new rule introduced by the ATP, the so-called service clock (time limit for putting the ball in play) is activated automatically. That is, without taking into account anything that may happen after the exchange. Previously, the countdown was started when the head referee announced the score. The rule modification means that the countdown to submission starts almost immediately after the previous point is reached. The umpire tried to defend himself by stating that the rule had been in place for some time.
“I know it’s not your decision, but this rule change is really unbelievable. For four years we were in a situation where we had to get a towel ourselves. Now the feeders are trying their best, but they are not that fast yet. You accepted this new rule without notifying the players. Honestly, it’s unbelievable,” said Djokovic, who is angry that the time limit does not take into account the role of the towel boys.
Djokovic started as an umpire already in the second round during the victory over Alex Michelsen. The incident took place in the second set when he was booked for a time violation.
The Olympic champion from Paris is not the first tennis player at the Shanghai tournament to run afoul of such a rule. The referee fundamentally entered Francis Tiafoe’s match coincidentally with Safiullin. At 5:5 in the tie-break of the third set. Tiafoe was at the service at that moment. He threw the ball in practice and was preparing for the first serve, when the umpire called a “time violation”, that is, a violation of the time limit for serving. The American ended up losing the exchange, as well as the following point and thus the entire match.
The world number four fared much better. Safiullina swept 6:3, 6:2 and after the match she was in a good mood again. When asked how he would rate his performance, Djoker answered.
“He was already close to ten again. It was one of my best matches recently. I just enjoy the game on the court. When you play well and feel good, then you get a lot of joy from every shot.”
So his next opponent Jakub Menšík has something to look forward to. And that he is looking forward to the quarterfinals, after all, he will be playing against his great role model. In the match with Grigori Dimitrov, it was clear that he wanted to win the battle with the tennis great at any cost.
