Full Breakdown
Zverev’s Prolonged Pre-Serve Routine Sparks Calls for a Second-Serve Clock
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In the U.S. Open men’s final, Alexander Zverev (Germany, 29) defeated Ben Shelton (United States) 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 to claim his first major title. Throughout the match—and across his first five tournament matches—Zverev repeatedly bounced the ball many times before his second serve, prompting a chair-umpire warning for a clock violation and a visible protest from Shelton, who argued he was forced to remain in a ready position while Zverev’s routine continued.
Background & Context
Tennis introduced a 25-second serve clock for first serves in the late 2010s to speed play. The rule does not apply to second serves; the regulations simply require the second serve to occur “without delay.” Because of this gap, players can take an indefinite amount of time between points before a second serve, a loophole that Zverev’s habit has highlighted.
Data & Statistics
- Zverev’s pre-serve bounces were estimated at roughly 12,000 across his first five U.S. Open matches.
- Observers noted 15 to 25 bounces on a typical point, with no fewer than ten bounces on any given serve.
- The routine added about two and a half hours of cumulative delay over the tournament.
Official Statements & Responses
Zverev told officials he was unaware of the exact number of bounces and described the habit as unintentional, calling the statistic “quite funny.” He emphasized that he does not count or aim for a specific number.
Karen Khachanov, Zverev’s semifinal opponent, said the routine was “within the rules” and expressed limited optimism for any immediate change, noting that the lack of a second-serve time limit makes enforcement difficult.
Chair umpire Marijana Veljovic warned Shelton to assume the ready position earlier, implicitly treating the delay as a procedural issue rather than a rule violation.
Criticism & Opposition
Ben Shelton, the runner-up, argued that unlimited time before a second serve harms spectators and disrupts opponents’ rhythm. He urged tennis authorities to institute a shot-clock for second serves, suggesting that a clear time limit would improve the sport’s flow and fan experience. Other players, including Novak Djokovic and Cameron Norrie, have historically employed lengthy pre-serve rituals, but Shelton’s post-match comments placed the spotlight on Zverev’s high-profile case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think that there should be some sort of rule,” — America’s Ben Shelton
- “I don’t know why it increased so much,” — Alexander Zverev, told the chair
- “She was telling me I need to get to the line earlier, and I was like, 'He can start his routine whenever he wants. I promise you there will never be a time where he serves and I'm not ready,'” — America’s Ben Shelton
- “I'm not getting a certain number or anything like that.” — Karen Khachanov, a friend of Zverev’s
- “I definitely think for a first serve, you should be able to do whatever you want, you know. You can use the full 25 seconds every time.” — America’s Ben Shelton
What’s Next
Tournament officials indicated that the issue will be reviewed, and future U.S. Open or ATP meetings may consider amending the serve-clock regulations to cover second serves. No concrete timeline has been set, but the discussion is expected to surface in upcoming rule-governance forums.