Alcaraz Furious About 'Ridiculous' Time Rule After Row With Umpire In Miami Loss
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Carlos Alcaraz criticized how the shot clock is handled during matches after his shock defeat to David Goffin at the 2025 Miami Open.
Alcaraz's loss to the Belgian was the most surprising of the ATP season so far. Despite winning the opening set, he could not sustain that momentum, and 34-year-old Goffin secured one of the most significant victories of his career.
The two-time Wimbledon champion was more flustered than usual throughout the match. For example, he had a passionate back-and-forth with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, after falling 0-2 down in the deciding set.
Another illustration was Alcaraz complaining to the umpire about how quickly he was starting the shot clock. The Spaniard felt the umpire did not show enough understanding, especially when he needed to walk from the net to the baseline.
Alcaraz elaborated on his frustration during a post-match press conference. Although the 21-year-old understands that organizers want tennis to be played quickly, he thinks the margins are ridiculous and unfair to the players.
"It didn't make me lose focus. I told the chair umpire that the time rule is ridiculous. They want to make tennis a bit faster, make sure it's there, but the margins are ridiculous."
"I finished the point at the net and I barely had time to do my routines, nor for the ball boy to do his job, you could see he was a bit confused, he didn't really know what he was supposed to do. In the end, you waste a lot more time going to the towel, so that's why I complained because I feel like the time we have from the end of the point to calling for new balls is ridiculous."
The four-time Grand Slam champion is not the first player to complain about the shot clock. Other players, such as Frances Tiafoe, were furious last season about being given time violations despite feeling like they were not playing slowly.
Many players get frustrated about umpires not being consistent about the shot clock. One official might be mindful and not start it too quickly, but a different umpire could be faster the next match, leaving players feeling flustered.
Umpires also react differently to the conditions. It was a humid night in Miami during the match between Alcaraz and Goffin, and it does not seem unreasonable for an umpire to be slightly more lenient with the clock for that reason.
However, others might argue that the 25-second rule should be implemented without any changes, no matter how tough the conditions. The range of views on the issue leads to inconsistencies that irritate players.
Alcaraz's loss to Goffin ended the possibility of him and Novak Djokovic facing each other for the first time since the 2025 Australian Open. Djokovic defeated Rinky Hijikata to win his first match since overcoming Alcaraz in Melbourne.
Sinner's absence and Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev's knockouts mean the 2025 Miami Open draw is very open. Hopefully, the fans will be treated to gripping tennis throughout the rest of the event.
