TIM HENMAN SHOOTS DOWN CARLOS ALCARAZ AND JACK DRAPER COMPLAINTS AHEAD OF WIMBLEDON

Tim Henman has hit back at Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper by claiming the automated shot clock is the way forward for tennis, despite its early criticisms.

The 25-second shot clock was previously started when the umpire called the score, but critics say that stalled the game too much.

However, the tweak - trialled at Queen's this week - means it now begins almost immediately after a point is concluded.

Neither Alcaraz nor Draper were impressed by the change, but Henman insists it's a necessary advancement to help streamline the game, even if it's experiencing some teething problems.

Speaking to The Daily Star, he said: "People talk about changing the game. One area I don't agree with is the shot clock.

"Potentially, it's a very good addition. However, the way it's being implemented, in my opinion, is wrong. The only watch you have is controlled by the umpire.

"The rules in tennis are '25 seconds between points'. But look at when they start the 25 seconds. Invariably, it's after the crowd has stopped applauding and they've called the score.

"If 10 seconds is being wasted a point, a game is won to 30, that's six points...and a minute every game of dead time. You have a 6-4 set, that's ten minutes. A five-set match, that's 50 minutes! I feel strongly, as a sport, we could do much better."

Alcaraz wasn't a fan though, with the world No.2 saying: "I think for the players it's something bad. I finish the point at the net and I had no time to ask for balls. I'm not saying to go to a towel and take my time. I feel like I can't ask for the balls."

Novak Djokovics's recent French Open clash with Lorenzo Musetti made headlines for not finishing until 3am in the morning.

Djokovic bemoaned the scheduling of the match, which didn't even start until gone 10.30pm, admitting the late finish took plenty out of him.

Henman believes the new shot-clock trial could go a long way to eliminating similarly dragged out contests in the future.

He added: "The shot clock starting automatically will be hard on players. I'm not oblivious to how demanding the long rallies are.

"But we have matches finishing at one, two, three in the morning. It's definitely an area that needs looking at."

The good news for dissidents like Alcaraz and Draper, the original method of timekeeping will be in place for Wimbledon.

Reigning champion Alcaraz enters the tournament looking to make it back-to-back Grand Slams, having lifted the Musketeers' Cup earlier this month.

Alcaraz's grass-court preparation got off to a troubled start when he lost to British No.1 Draper at Queen's on Thursday - the Spaniard's first loss on the surface since 2022.

2024-06-23T05:10:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd