Toni Nadal wants former players as chair umpires to sort out time violation menace

World No.1 Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and coach, Toni Nadal, has suggested that former players should take up chair umpiring responsibilities in tennis as they understand the sport better.

Nadal, who lost the Australian Open final to Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka, was called for a time violation by Greek umpire Evanthia Asderaki in a fourth-round victory against Kei Nishikori. Since Nadal had already been given a warning for violating the 20-second time limit, Asderaki docked him a first serve at a crucial stage in the match causing Nadal to lose his composure for a brief moment.

Toni Nadal told Spanish radio on Saturday it would be better if former players were chosen as chair umpires since they would be able to draw from their experiences of playing big matches in pressure situations and use their discretion before punishing players for going over the stipulated time between serves.

“We had a problem with Asderaki,” he said on Cadena Ser’s El Larguero show.

“Sometimes with the umpires the fact that they have not been players means they do not understand the game very well,” he added.

“It’s just the same as in football. I always say that (it would be better) if referees were former players, second-division players who could do a very good job and they would be keen because of the salary.

“I believe it would change everything, they have been in the thick of it and they know what it’s like.”

“In the football world it’s easier to tell when someone dives to win a free kick or what is serious or not and (in tennis) it’s the same.”

Toni also advocates a longer break between points saying that it would enhance the courtside spectators’ experience.

“For the spectacle it’s better if the game doesn’t go too quickly,” he told El Larguero.

“It’s better for people to experience a moment of tension in a calmer way so they can feel the atmosphere.”