De Minaur Proposes Serve Rule Changes at Shanghai Masters

Alex de Minaur has proposed changes to tennis serving rules at the Shanghai Masters, suggesting a shot clock between first and second serves and a one-toss-only rule to reduce delays. The world No. 9 raised the issue after debates over lengthy serving routines involving players such as Alexander Zverev.

The current rules require players to serve within 25 seconds after the umpire enters the previous point, but there is no separate timer between first and second serves. According to reports, Zverev bounced the ball more than 12,000 times between first and second serves during his US Open run.

De Minaur said he supports adding a timer between serves but believes a stricter ball toss rule would also address repeated delays.

"I’m in favor of a shot clock between the first and second serve. That would prevent players from taking too much time" said Alex de Minaur, tennis player.

De Minaur explained that players can currently stop their service motion after an unwanted toss and restart their routine without penalty.

"I’ve been saying for a long time: personally, I’d only allow a single ball toss. Once the ball is tossed, you have to serve, no matter what. Otherwise, it should be a fault" said Alex de Minaur, tennis player.

"Some players use a bad toss as an excuse to restart their entire routine" said Alex de Minaur, tennis player.

Brad Gilbert, a former coach of Coco Gauff and Andy Murray, backed De Minaur’s proposal after the Australian’s comments at Shanghai. He responded on social media by criticizing the current allowance for repeated ball tosses.

"He’s 1000% right, I’ve been saying for 40 years, that it’s ridiculous you can get as many redos on ball toss as you want." said Brad Gilbert, tennis coach.

"Should have happened years ago, worst rule in tennis." said Brad Gilbert, tennis coach.

The discussion intensified after opponents criticized long serving preparations during the US Open. Ben Shelton and Karen Khachanov questioned the amount of time some players spend before serving.

"If he's bouncing the ball 20 to 25 times, I shouldn't have to just sit there for that," said Ben Shelton, tennis player.

"I think it's a job of umpire to notice and to be more aware and actually take the action." said Karen Khachanov, tennis player.

Zverev later acknowledged that his serving routine became excessive during the tournament while maintaining that he stayed within the official time limit.

"I think I have to criticise myself. It was a bit extreme this tournament. Normally I am one of the faster players, I don’t usually take my time." said Alexander Zverev, tennis player.

"But I am still always within the time frame, so at the end of the day, you can do whatever you want within the actual 24 seconds of serving," said Alexander Zverev, tennis player.

De Minaur continued his Shanghai Masters campaign after beating Rei Sakamoto 7-6(6), 6-4. According to tournament coverage, he had reached the last 16 after recovering from his retirement in the China Open final.