WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz rages at umpire over time violation in Tokyo final
NewsTuesday, 30 September 2025 at 23:40
Carlos Alcaraz's frustrations with how umpires handle the shot clock became evident again in a heated exchange during the 2025 Japan Open final.
Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz to win the title in Tokyo. Despite the final 6-4, 6-4 score, the American had his moments during that contest and applied pressure, but that was still not enough to win a set.
The pair played some lengthy rallies from the start that even left Alcaraz, one of the fittest and most energetic players in tennis, gasping for air. A particularly energy-sapping point occurred during the fourth game of the opening set.
Alcaraz went well above the 25 seconds allowed between points after that intense exchange, leading to him being given a time violation. The Spaniard could not hide his feelings about it when he spoke to the umpire, Fergus Murphy, at the next changeover.
This year's US Open champion became quite animated when asking the umpire if he thought it was normal to give a time violation after such a long point, mentioning how it also finished at the net.
"You think it's normal? You think it's normal, or no? I'm asking a question, you think it's normal or not? I finished a point at the net, I'm a bit tired after the point, and I cannot go and ask for the balls. Do you think it's normal, or no?"
The umpire tried to explain his decision, which is not audible in the video below. Alcaraz was not impressed by what he said and repeatedly said the official must have never played tennis.
"You have never played tennis in your life. You have never played tennis in your life, you said it was normal, you have never played tennis, you have never played tennis."
In the past, Alcaraz might have allowed that moment with the umpire to distract him. Instead, he showed his superb mentality to win the match in straight sets and put any annoyance with the umpire entirely behind him.
This is not Alcaraz's first heated exchange with an umpire after receiving a time violation
Alcaraz had a separate, frustrated interaction with Murphy at the 2025 Australian Open during his match against Jack Draper. He accused the Irish official of starting the shot clock too swiftly and not allowing enough time for recovery.
Murphy has developed a reputation for being stricter about the shot clock than most umpires. Last year, Taylor Fritz described how he only had a significant problem with Murphy because he always immediately started the clock.
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Umpires can use discretion and provide some leeway for players after intense points or in hot conditions. How much should be awarded before it becomes overly lenient is a subjective and contentious topic that will never be universally agreed upon by players and fans.
Also, at the 2024 China Open, Alcaraz received two time violations in one game. The six-time Grand Slam champion was astounded by that situation, passionately defending himself and admitting he was mad about it.
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