Carlos Alcaraz Calls For Rule Change After Becoming Frustrated At Queen's Club
NewsSunday, 22 June 2025 at 21:17
Carlos Alcaraz usually tries to remain focused and upbeat on the court, but the shot clock rule and how it is applied have been a source of repeated frustration for the Spaniard.
Alcaraz won the 2025 Queen's Club Championships with a victory in the final against Jiri Lehecka. That continued the ATP world No. 2's outstanding form since the start of the clay-court swing in April.
The most dramatic match from Alcaraz's run to the Queen's Club title was in the round of 16 against Jaume Munar. After a very long battle, he prevailed 6-4, 6-7, 6-5 against his compatriot, who played very well.
Several brutal rallies occurred in a match that included a 102-minute second set. The players' efforts on a very hot day in London meant Alcaraz was understandably annoyed about being given a time violation.
Speaking to the Tennis Channel afterward, Alcaraz expressed frustration with how the umpire handled the shot clock and felt more discretion should have been used in recognition of how physically demanding the match was.
"It was a really long match. The conditions were extreme with the heat. It was really, really hot out there, and yeah, really long rallies, long games. I felt like I had no time to recover between points. I was in a rush all the time."
"So it was kind of I can’t approach the next point in an appropriate way. I mean, that talk with the umpire, it wasn’t because of that I didn’t lose the focus, but it was a problem all the time with all the clock."
Alcaraz called for the shot clock rule to be changed and revealed that Munar was also agitated by being rushed during the points, despite the intense rallies between the pair.
"Jaume [Munar] talked to the umpire with the same thing. They have to change that. But yeah, I mean, they have to know where to put the clock, you know, right after the point or wait a little bit."
“Because after long points, long rallies, I finish the point at the net, I should have a little bit more time just to approach the next point in a proper way. That’s what I felt today.”
This is not the first time that Alcaraz has been dismayed about the shot clock this season. He was left angry by the umpire's handling of it during his shocking defeat at the 2025 Miami Open against David Goffin.
Alcaraz's annoyance with not being given some leeway in a match with long rallies on a very hot day was not unreasonable. Umpires can use their discretion about when to start the clock to be understanding of the players' efforts.
The five-time Grand Slam champion also had an uncharacteristic outburst during the encounter with Munar. After being broken in the third set, Alcaraz repeatedly swore in Spanish towards his team.
That moment left fans shocked since Alcaraz has become known worldwide for smiling during matches and trying to enjoy being on the court. Sometimes, it is even challenging for the Spaniard to do that during a grueling match.
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