Andy Roddick has questioned Alexander Zverev's ball-bouncing routine after Karen Khachanov complained about the amount of time the German takes before serving during their US Open semifinal. Roddick believes the issue is bigger than Zverev, arguing that tennis' current rules allow players to exploit gaps in the timing system.
Khachanov did not accuse Zverev of breaking the rules but said the routine makes it difficult for returners to know when to prepare for the serve. The German can repeatedly bounce the ball before serving, creating a rhythm that Khachanov described as frustrating.
The discussion comes as Zverev prepares for another Grand Slam final. After a difficult start in New York, the German has found his best level and reached his third consecutive major final, while becoming the first German man to reach the semifinals at all four Grand Slams in the same season.
For Roddick, the fact that Zverev remains within the rules is precisely the problem. The former world No. 1 believes tennis needs to change the way it regulates the time between serves rather than expect players to voluntarily stop using an advantage the current system allows.
“Then it's another 12 bounces”
Khachanov explained his frustration after his semifinal defeat, focusing on the uncertainty Zverev's routine creates for the returner.
“The way he bounces the ball, look, it's annoying not only to me, but of course a lot of players, because it takes so much time. You don't know how to prepare for the serve. You're ready. Then it's another 12 bounces. Every point is like that," the Russian said after the match. “If it's within the rules regarding the time, I cannot say anything against that because it's the rules.”
Roddick agreed that Zverev is operating within the existing regulations, but argued that the rules themselves need to change, particularly after a first serve.
“Yeah, the rules should change. As long as he's doing it within the 24-second shot clock, what are you going to say? There needs to be a shot clock for the second serve," the former world No. 1 said in Served with Roddick. "You cannot bounce the ball 20-something times between first and second serve.”"
The former world No. 1 then broadened the discussion to another part of the serving process: the toss. Roddick believes players should not be able to catch a bad toss and effectively restart the sequence without consequence.
“But here's the issue with the clock, right? One, we have to fix — if you toss the ball, you shouldn't be able to catch it. It's a waste of time. If you fuck up your toss, that should be on you. It's not fair to... I never had wobbly tosses and I got no credit for it, right? Like, you shouldn't be able to catch your toss. It's part of the serve.”
Sasha Zverev practising the bounce at the @usopen 😆 pic.twitter.com/UvtKUgD6KN
— The Tennis Traveller 🎾 (@Tennis__Fashion) August 23, 2025
“If the rule sucks, then you're going to take advantage of it”
Roddick's wider argument is that players will naturally exploit unclear rules when doing so gives them more time. He pointed to situations where a server can effectively reset the process when the clock is almost exhausted.
“And also, what players are doing is it gets down to one, and they throw a bad toss on purpose, and then there's no shot clock after that," Roddick added. “If the rule sucks, then you're going to take advantage of it. It's that easy to expose.”
He also questioned how consistently the clock is applied, suggesting that the timing system differs between the Grand Slams and the ATP Tour.
“And also, it's like you can take complete liberties with when you start the clock. It's like a personal judgment. So we really don't have anything.
“Yeah, because I think here at the Slams, they put down the score, and then they turn and start the clock, where the rest of the ATP Tour is the second the score is logged, the clock starts.”
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Roddick ultimately believes the responsibility should fall on tennis to make the regulations clearer rather than criticising players for using what the rules currently allow.
“So, like, listen, I don't know if it's great or if it's not. All I know is that if it's there, use it. And if it's a rule, then it should be a rule. That's it. And also, you can't have 24 seconds and then take 20 seconds again before a second serve.”
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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