Is the umpire really clocking the time between serve?

Question

it is an annoying tactic and really unfair to the opponent how much time Nadal takes between serves. it annoys me as a spectator, i can't imaging how the opponent feels. has he ever been penalized for the delay? are they afraid to make the time violation call because of Nadal's status?

i really think the umpire should clock the time on a consistant bases, do that actually do that?

Answer 1

They are allotted 45 seconds between points.  Some people use all or less it depends on them.  Nadal uses every minutes of his and nothing is wrong with that.  If he goes over the referee will let him know.

Answer 2

I completely with you! He was done during the masters series but not the grand slams. If umpires would do that then I'm sure he would have to forfeit coz of too many violations! Imagine that situation in a a semifinal of wimbledon.It would be a shock!

This does actually upset the opponent's rhythm.By rukles he should be ready when the opponent  is ready to serve!

But no!Oh no no no no no!Mr'Nadal has to wipe his face each and every time sfter every point!

If Roddick hit's a a ace.Again the towel.?Now what effort did he put into that point which was a ace?

I'd rather watch Djokovic bouncing the ball on his serve!Takes much less time!

I'm sure Nadal would lose quite a few matches if he played faster!

Otherwise he's a fantastic player!I think he's got the best double handed backhand in men's tennis!

And are you talking of Nadal's status? Is Nadal bigger than the game of tennis?Certainly not!

Answer 3

If I was his opponent I would appreciate the extra rest I was given especially since Nadal would have me running so much.

Answer 4

I'm sure that the umpire is very much aware as to what is going on, and I feel like it's totally unfair to let players get away with this type of behavior.  There are many rules, but certain players usually are treated differently.  

I wish that the umpires would start enforcing the rules, so that tennis won't degenerate more due to bad sportsmanship.

Answer 5

The umpires don't actually clock it, but if they feel he is taking too long, too often then they will start.

Both Nadal and Djokovic are guilty of slow play.  Both have been warned about it on a number of occasions by umpires, however I can't think of a situation where either has forfeited a point because of slow play.  The rule is you get warned, and then each instance of slow play after that is a forfeit of the current point.

However, the warning are often ignored, the slow play continues and the umpire doesn't get more involved.  It won't be until opposition players start challenging the umpires to speed up the game that it will actually happen.

Edit:  Despite what is said below, you are only allowed 20 seconds between points.  The fact that the person thinks it is 45 seconds and that Nadal uses all of it sums up how much extra time he thinks Nadal is taking during service points.