Tennis trials rule change that Djokovic won’t like two weeks before Wimbledon

The Association of Tennis Professionals [ATP] are trialling a shot clock rule change at the Queen’s Club Championships and Halle Open.

The shot clock, which ensures players take a maximum of 25 seconds between points, currently begins when the umpire calls the score.

But now, the ATP are testing out starting it right after the previous point finishes instead in an attempt to speed the match up.

Portuguese tennis journalist Jose Morgado reported the news, writing on X: “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…

“And yes: still 25 seconds, that didn’t change.”

At the moment, some tennis stars take all of the 25 seconds the bounce the ball on the baseline, with some older players using it to have a vital reset.

However, some players have used it tactically in the past, too.

As well as it disrupting the opponent’s momentum, it can also be used to put players off.

Novak Djokovic has appeared to do this during his career, whilst Rafael Nadal has also seemed to use it to his advantage.

Both have often gone unpunished for time wasting.

However, Djokovic was involved in a fiery exchange with an umpire at the Australian Open last year after being accused of exceeding the serve clock after going to get his towel.

Nadal was warned for a time code violation recently, too.

The Spaniard exceeded his five minute window to take a bathroom break at the Brisbane Open in January as he defeated Jason Kuble.

Cracking up about the moment after the game, Nadal made the crowd laugh as he explained the delay.

“Well… I think it was something strange because I know I have five minutes,” he told Sky Sports as the crowd chuckled. “Honestly, Brisbane is very humid and I had to change every single piece (of clothing). It takes a while and then honestly on the walkie-talkie they were calling me, three minutes, two minutes, one minute, half a minute…

“And I came out at the right time but probably the guy who was with me said a few seconds later to the umpire that I was… they told me four seconds late… I don’t know if it was me. I thought I was on time, honestly. But something happened and I know I am slow, I am going to try and improve.”