Carlos Alcaraz, the electrifying Spanish tennis prodigy, has ignited a fiery debate in the tennis world after voicing his frustration over the ATP’s shot clock rule during the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships. The world No. 2, fresh off a grueling victory in an epic three-and-a-half-hour match against compatriot Jaume Munar, didn’t hold back in criticizing the 25-second shot clock, arguing it fails to account for the physical toll of intense rallies and sweltering conditions. His impassioned plea for reform, delivered after a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(7), 7-5 win, has stirred the tennis community, with players and fans alike weighing in on the fairness of the current regulations.
The match against Munar, one of the longest at Queen’s since 1991, pushed Alcaraz to his physical and mental limits under London’s scorching heat. The 22-year-old, known for his infectious smile and relentless positivity, displayed a rare moment of agitation when he received a time violation warning during the marathon contest. “I felt like I had no time to recover between points. I was in a rush all the time,” Alcaraz said, his frustration palpable as he described the challenge of preparing for the next point after exhausting rallies. The intense 102-minute second set, coupled with temperatures that made the court feel more like clay than grass, amplified his struggle. “We’ve been playing for three hours, we finished a long point at the net – they should have a little bit of hand and give us some more time,” he urged, emphasizing the need for more flexibility in the rule’s application.
Alcaraz’s concerns weren’t isolated. Munar, his opponent, echoed similar sentiments, reportedly raising the issue with the umpire during the match. “Jaume talked to the umpire with the same thing. They have to change that,” Alcaraz noted, pointing out the shared frustration among players. The ATP rulebook mandates that players must strike the ball within 25 seconds, with umpires having the discretion to extend this time under special circumstances, such as extreme heat or prolonged rallies. However, Alcaraz argued that the lack of leeway, especially after points ending at the net, hinders players’ ability to prepare properly. “When you can’t prepare properly for the next point, you can’t play it properly either – which I think hurts the show,” he said, highlighting the rule’s impact not only on players but also on the quality of the spectacle for fans.
The Spaniard’s uncharacteristic outburst during the match, where he vented in Spanish toward his team after being broken in the third set, shocked fans accustomed to his cheerful demeanor. “I’m not used to do it. Honestly, I used to control myself a little bit, my emotions,” Alcaraz admitted, reflecting on his struggle to stay composed. Despite landing just over 50% of his first serves—a rare dip for the five-time Grand Slam champion—he clawed back from a 4-2 deficit in the decisive set, showcasing the resilience that has fueled his 15-match winning streak, the longest of his career. “I just kept fighting. I didn’t give up,” he said, crediting his mental fortitude for securing the victory.
Alcaraz’s call for reform isn’t new. He previously expressed dismay over the shot clock’s strict enforcement during a loss to David Goffin at the 2025 Miami Open and clashed with umpire Mohamed Lahyani in 2024 at Queen’s over a trial rule that started the clock three seconds after a point ended. “It’s not great for the fans or for us either,” he said at the time, a sentiment he reiterated after the Munar match. His advocacy has sparked broader discussions, with some players supporting a more adaptable framework that considers match conditions and physical demands.
Despite the controversy, Alcaraz’s focus remained on his performance. His victory over Munar propelled him into the quarterfinals against Arthur Rinderknech, followed by a semifinal win over Roberto Bautista Agut, and culminated in a thrilling final against Jiri Lehecka, securing his second Queen’s Club title. “I just feel that I’m playing great tennis and feeling more comfortable after each match,” Alcaraz said after his 6-4, 6-4 semifinal triumph, his 250th career win. With Wimbledon looming, his 22-1 record on grass since 2023 positions him as a favorite, but his push for rule changes underscores his commitment to improving the sport. As the tennis world debates the shot clock’s future, Alcaraz’s bold stance ensures his influence extends beyond the baseline.
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