Carlos Alcaraz was handed a penalty at set point for a time violation, his second offense, during the first set of his 2024 China Open first-round clash against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The ATP 500 event in Beijing is using the automatic shot clock that was used during the Queen’s Club Championship.
Alcaraz broke Perricard in the first game, and both players held their serves until 5-4, with the Spaniard serving for the set. The Frenchman fought hard to stay in the set, rallying to a 40-0 lead and earning three break points. However, Perricard squandered all three, bringing the game to deuce.Alcaraz reached set point but was handed a time violation, his second offense, resulting in him losing his first serve. Despite the setback, the 21-year-old remained composed and secured the set 6-4.
After winning the set, Alcaraz allegedly entered into a heated argument with the chair umpire to express his frustration and disbelief.
“I’m always very quick, I never get warnings. You gave me two in one set. It’s impossible to play tennis like this,” Alcaraz reportedly said.
The 21-year-old began the second set much like the first, breaking Perricard early. Both players held their serve throughout, allowing Alcaraz to secure a 6-4, 6-4 victory and advance to the second round.The 2024 China Open is using an automatic shot clock, giving players a 25-second countdown to serve. If a player exceeds this time limit, they receive a time violation. This feature was in use at the Queen’s Club Championships, where it drew criticism from Alcaraz.
“I think for the player it is something bad” – Carlos Alcaraz voiced his frustration regarding automatic shot-clock at Queen’s Club Championships
A new regulation, aimed at improving game flow, was on trial at the Queen’s Club Championships. An automatic shot clock would start three seconds after a point was over and the players were to serve within 25 seconds.
Carlos Alcaraz lost to Jack Draper at the grasscourt event in the RO16 and voiced his opposition to the new regulation. The Spaniard explained that the strict timing interfered with his usual pre-serve routine.
“I mean, he [chair umpire] told me that there is a new rule, this new thing, that the clock never stops. After the point is finished, the clock is putting on,” Alcaraz said.
The Spaniard believed the regulation limits players’ ability to prepare properly between points.
“I think for the player it is something bad. I mean, I finish the point at the net, and I had no time to ask for the balls. I mean, I’m not saying to go to a towel and taking my time. I feel like I can’t ask for the balls. It’s crazy. I have time just to ask for two balls and no bounces.”
He further elaborated on the rushed nature of the new rule. However, at the China Open, Alcaraz has successfully navigated the first round and will look to build on that momentum as he prepares to face Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.
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