![\"Carlos](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Carlos-Alcaraz-Doha-argument-6754430.jpg\" "\\"Carlos")
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Carlos Alcaraz argued with the umpire on court and said the rules were ‘s***’ (Image: Tennis TV)<\/p>\n
Carlos Alcaraz<\/a> hit out at \u201cabsurd\u201d and \u201cterrible\u201d rules surrounding the shot clock after getting into an argument with chair umpire Marija Cicak<\/a>. The world No. 1 wasn\u2019t happy when he received a time violation during the ninth game of the opening set, having just come through a thrilling rally. Alcaraz went to his towel before his next serve and was hit with the violation, then confronted Cicak. \u201cSo I\u2019m not allowed to use the towel?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Alcaraz continued the argument at the next changeover, as the umpire explained: \u201cI stopped it when you were close there, but I had to start it again. I can\u2019t let it stop constantly. I can\u2019t invent more time.\u201d The seven-tome Major winner still wasn\u2019t satisfied, and ranted: \u201cThe rule is always s***. S***. It\u2019s always the same. Always. Super unfair.\u201d<\/p>\n He went on to lose the first set to Karen Khachanov in a tiebreak but battled back to win 6-7(3) 6-4 6-3. And Alcaraz has now doubled down on his comments about the shot clock. \u201cHonestly, I think the time rule is absurd. After a very demanding point, finishing at the net, sprinting to my towel, I practically had no time left,\u201d the top seed told AS<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cShe told me she stopped the clock when I was on my towel, but from then until I called for the balls and prepared to serve, I had no time to spare. To me, that makes no sense. Besides, the crowd was still shouting and cheering, which also causes delays.<\/p>\n \u201cI looked at the clock when there were three or four seconds left, and I didn’t have enough time to serve, but she still gave me a warning. Personally, I think there should be a bit more leniency, even a reconsideration of the rule, because in such tough matches, the same thing always happens, and to me, it’s ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n Players get 25 seconds to recover in between points. Umpires previously decided when to start this countdown, but in 2024, a new rule was trialled and implemented, meaning the shot clock automatically begins three seconds after the last point. Alcaraz says he\u2019s not the only player unhappy with the rules.<\/p>\n Carlos Alcaraz battled back to reach the semi-finals in Doha (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n The seven-time Major champion added: \u201cI think many players feel the same way. Some are faster, and others have slightly slower routines. I try to adapt as much as possible, and in many matches, I know I have to respect the time, so I change my routine: I call for fewer balls, I move faster, I bounce the ball less if I see I’m running out of time. But tennis is also about entertainment.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ATP says it wants to attract more people, to broaden its audience. If they don’t allow us time to recover between points to offer the best possible level, everything goes too fast, and it’s difficult to engage the crowd. I think the umpires should be more flexible or, better yet, add a few more seconds to the clock. With a little more leeway, we can prepare better to put on a show on every point.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s not the first time Alcaraz has hit out about the shot clock. When the automatic three-second system was introduced in 2024, the Spanish star lashed out and said he wanted to speak to the ATP about the rule.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI think for the player it is something bad. I finish the point at the net, and I had no time to ask for the balls. It is crazy. I have time just to ask for two balls and no bounces. I have never seen something like that in tennis,\u201d Alcaraz said in 2024 after losing to Jack Draper<\/a> at London\u2019s Queen\u2019s Club.<\/p>\n EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!<\/strong> Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news <\/strong> Join us on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Carlos](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Carlos-Alcaraz-Doha-Qatar-Open-6754443.jpg\" "\\"Carlos")
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