Ben Shelton has urged tennis authorities to implement a time limit for second serves, following his US Open final defeat to Alexander Zverev. Zverev, who won the match in four sets on Sunday, is known for his routine of bouncing the ball multiple times before serving.
Current rules allow players 25 seconds for their first serve, but there is no strict time limit or maximum number of bounces for a second serve, only that it must be hit "without delay."
This practice has drawn criticism from tennis figures like Andy Roddick and John McEnroe. Shelton echoed these sentiments after his loss, stating that while players should have flexibility on first serves, second serves require regulation.
"I think that there should be some sort of rule… limiting time on second serve," Shelton said. "You shouldn't have unlimited time. For our sport, for the fans, I think it's tough to be sitting there that long for the next play, the next action to happen."
Shelton added that he anticipates such a change will be considered by tournament organizers due to the delays it causes in matches. Reports suggest Zverev bounced the ball over 12,000 times in his first five matches at the US Open. Karen Khachanov, who lost to Zverev in the semifinals, previously commented that the German's serving routine annoys many players.
During the final, Shelton expressed frustration with the chair umpire's instruction to be ready at the line sooner, arguing that he should not be required to stand ready for an extended period while Zverev completes his prolonged routine.
"He never does less than ten bounces… I'm not going to sit there in a ready position with my knees bent, tension in my body for 30 seconds while I'm waiting," Shelton explained. He believes the current rule is "stupid."
Following his semifinal victory, Zverev stated that his serving routine is not intentional and that he does not count his bounces, expressing surprise at the perceived increase in their number.
