"This is not tennis": Carlos Alcaraz embroiled in heated argument with umpire during China Open
ATPFriday, 27 September 2024 at 22:28
Carlos Alcaraz may have had it pretty easy at times against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. But it didn't stop him losing his temper at the umpire in a staggering outburst during his China Open win.
Despite the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion typically being quick between points, he was penalised in this case twice with an automatic shot clock in place to prevent players circumnavigating the rules.
"This is not tennis," Alcaraz fumed to the umpire. "I'm always very quick, I never get warnings," Alcaraz continued as he sealed a 6-4, 6-4 win. He now faces Tallon Griekspoor in the next round. "You gave me two in one set. It's impossible to play tennis like this."
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The 21-year-old still was able to take the opener and won every point on his second serve to gain a foothold. He then escalated his complaint to the supervisor after the set was completed as he looked for clarity on the rule.
It isn't the first time that Alcaraz has got annoyed about this though with Queen's Club being a leading example where the trial of new shot clocks saw him fume and vent after losing to Jack Draper. He said he felt rushed in the UK as a result and likely feels similar in this case.
"Yes, absolutely. I mean, he 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.
"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.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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