"Insane, why is it so difficult to treat players like human beings" - Fans incensed by ATP testing 'disgusting' new shot clock rule in Halle & Queen's

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) is trialing a new shot clock rule at the ongoing Halle Open and Queen's Club Championships, where Alexander Bublik and Carlos Alcaraz are the respective defending champions. However, tennis fans have expressed their blatant disapproval of the rule.

The standard shot clock protocol involves the 25-second clock starting after the chair umpire calls the score. However, this has often created delays between points in the past. In a bid to do away with these delays, the ATP decided to test the new rule across two of the most prestigious grasscourt events in the buildup to Wimbledon. It involves the shot clock starting immediately after the conclusion of a point.

Tennis journalist Jose Morgado wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"ATP is testing a new rule this week in Halle and Queen's with the shot clock starting right when the previous point finishes and not after the umpire calls the score. Quicker between points and reduces 'subjectivity' as there are umpires much more strict than others..."

Several fans chastised the new rule, even though it is only being tested by the ATP at the two events. One set of fans opined that if this new rule becomes permanent, it will contribute to players experiencing more stress and sustaining more injuries.

"This is insane I'm sorry why is it so difficult to treat players like human beings whose job is hard on their body and not machines this is kinda disgusting from ATP honestly you won't gain millions of viewers through that strategy," one fan wrote.

"Things happening faster, more stress on the body, injuries are gonna increase even more," another fan commented.

"Of all the “problems” facing the tour, ATP focusing on this," another fan chimed in.

Another set of fans believed that the rule may not be a problem on grass, where rallies tend to be shorter. However, according to these fans, it will impact negatively on players following long, extended rallies.

"It may work on grass with short rallies, otherwise you have to give some time after long rallies," wrote one fan.

"Imo it doesn't make sense to have the same amount of time between all points. All points are not created equally. Some end after an ace. Others after a 30 shot rally. Shorter points are more likely on grass but bur on clay the points are longer. One size does not fit all," commented another fan.

"I don't like this rule. After a 30-stroke rally, are players going to have to play without rest? The player returning will not play the next point," another fan weighed in.

"It's not the ideal thing" - When Rafael Nadal doubted shot clocks prior to them being made the norm by the ATP

Rafael Nadal at a press conference

Shot clocks were introduced by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) at the 2018 US Open, but Rafael Nadal, who was the defending US Open champion at the time, was skeptical about the development.

In an admission to AFP, Nadal said before the 2018 US Open that shot clocks would hamper players' ability to play good points, especially after long rallies. According to the Spaniard, this would also lead to a negative experience for the fans.

"For me it’s not the ideal thing but if the sport is moving that way or they want to move that way, the only thing I can do is accept it and play. That’s why I am here, to play tennis and to accept all the rules. The positive thing is probably you will control the time between points but in the negative thing… In my experience, on the tennis court, the crowd gets more crazy, the crowd gets more emotional and enjoys the match with more passion when you play good points," Nadal said (via Ubitennis).

The latest shot clock rule in effect at Halle and Queen's is yet to be confirmed for future events. However, if it reduces the overall time between points played, in all likelihood, it will become a permanent fixture.