Nadal against 25-second shot clock plan
london — World number one Rafael Nadal took a swipe at plans to introduce a shot clock at Wimbledon next year after speedily moving past Dudi Sela in the first round on Tuesday.
The US Open has decided to introduce a shot clock this year so that the 25 seconds allowed between points is strictly enforced and Wimbledon is likely to follow suit.
Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic later described that decision as “disrespectful” to the players.
Nadal, who has often fallen foul of the slow-play rule during his career, said he could not support the move. “I’m 32. I don’t know for how long I’m going to play. Hopefully for a long time. But is something that is not bothering me,” the Spaniard said when asked for his opinion in his news conference after a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Sela which took less than two hours on Centre Court.
“In terms of the sport, depends. If you want to see a quick game without thinking, well done.
“If you want to keep playing in a sport that you need to think, you need to play with more tactics, you want to have long and good rallies, then of course you are going the wrong way. “But seems like sometimes is only about the business, so... I can’t support this, no. Because I don’t feel the matches that stay for the history of our sport went that quick.”
Nadal pointed to his epic four hour 48 minute Wimbledon final against Roger Federer in 2008 — a match widely considered the best final ever at the All England Club.
Djokovic, who has fought some incredibly lengthy duels against Nadal, also expressed his annoyance that the players had not been kept informed about the US Open’s decision to use shot clock later this year having trialled it in the qualifying tournament last year.
“Look, I’m not completely against it,” the Serb said. “I feel like they should have reached out to players before they make an official decision, before they announce it.
“By not doing that, they show how respectful they are of us, which is unfortunate.” —