Karen Khachanov explains why Alexander Zverev keeps bouncing the ball — and where the rules draw the line

Saturday, 12 September 2026 at 10:24

Karen Khachanov explained the dispute surrounding Alexander Zverev’s prolonged ball-bouncing routine after the German beat him 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) to reach the US Open final. The three-time Grand Slam semifinalist admitted that the routine annoys many players because it can disrupt their preparation for the serve, while accepting that there is little to complain about if Zverev remains within the permitted time.

Zverev, now a Roland Garros champion and six-time Grand Slam finalist, has become increasingly noticeable for the amount of time he takes before beginning his service motion. For Khachanov, the issue is not simply the number of bounces but the uncertainty they create for the returner, who can be ready for the delivery only to find that the routine continues.

The Russian also rejected the idea that he should be the one asking the umpire to monitor Zverev's timing. Having experienced opponents commenting on his own pace between points, Khachanov believes that enforcing the time limit should remain the responsibility of the official in the chair.

The discussion added another layer to a semifinal decided by very small margins. Khachanov had opportunities in the second and third sets but could not convert them, with Zverev eventually securing the victory in three sets and booking another Grand Slam final appearance.

Khachanov explains the issue with Zverev’s routine

Khachanov said Zverev had not done anything unexpected from a tactical perspective, with the two players knowing each other well and preparing for the matchup. The Russian also highlighted the German's greater serving power and first-serve effectiveness.

“Look, he didn't do anything different from what I was expecting, from what we were preparing with my team, with my coach," the world No. 50 said. "We know each other really well. Sasha mentioned this before also. I think we even play a little bit similar in a way, I would say. But he has bigger serve, bigger first serve, higher percentage also, I would say in overall.”

Karen Khachanov with his racket behind his back after hitting a backhand.

Karen Khachanov in action at the US Open quarter finals

Khachanov then turned to the part of Zverev's preparation that he believes can affect the returner's rhythm, particularly when the serve does not come immediately after the player has prepared to receive it.

“But yeah, I mean, the way he bounces the ball, look, it annoys not only me, of course, a lot of players, because it takes so much time, really," he added. "You don't know how to prepare for the serve. You're ready and then it's another 12 bounces. So you again do split step, you kind of try yourself at every point like that.”

Despite the annoyance, Khachanov accepted that Zverev is entitled to use his routine as long as he remains within the rules governing the time between points.

“So at the end of the day, if it's within the rules, with the time between points, I cannot say anything against that because it's within the rules, you know. So if he extends the time, then he gets time violation. So it's pretty simple as that.”

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“It’s up to him, not to me”

Khachanov was asked whether he felt the umpire should have been more aware of the time being taken before Zverev's serves. The Russian said he would not be the player to raise the issue himself, pointing out that he has also faced complaints about his own pace.

“I'm not the guy who would ask the umpire to look at it. I don't like to do that. I don't like when opponents are; I think in some situations, they mention to me even that I am honestly, I think, averaging 12 seconds or 15 seconds every point.”

Khachanov acknowledged that long rallies can sometimes leave him close to the permitted time as well, which is why he believes the umpire should make the final call rather than the players becoming involved in the dispute.

“So maybe after some long rallies, it could happen that I was very close with the time in some other tournaments. And then, you know, the player is like crying or saying like about that. So I think it's a job of the umpire to notice and to be more aware and actually take the action. So it's up to him, not to me.”

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The ball-bouncing issue was ultimately only one part of a semifinal that Khachanov felt could have gone differently. The Russian pointed to the narrow statistical margin after the match, with Zverev winning only three more points overall.

“He won three more points in my entire match. That's what I saw afterwards. What to say? He won the important ones.”

Despite the defeat, Khachanov leaves New York with renewed belief after reaching his third Grand Slam semifinal. “I believe, I strongly believe. Everything is possible. I have to try to bring this level and this consistency more often. Let's say, you know, this is the goal for me right now."

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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