It’s Simple - Play To The Speed of the Server

It’s simple. Play to the speed of the server!

What an incredible first week of Roland Garros it has been. Dominic Thiem was ousted in the first round. Seven of the Women’s top 10 seeds have exited before the second week. And The Slice Tennis News is being sponsored by Rally Tennis.

Federer vs Cilic

However, all I heard about for three days, was this small tiff that happened in the Federer vs Cilic match.

A lot has been said over the past few days about the whole Federer/Cilic play to the server incident. I originally heard about the situation on Twitter when reading tweet after tweet about how the Swiss and Croat had this ‘bust up’ and how Roger had this ‘massive argument’ with the umpire after his caution.

But it was nothing like that. Instead, I found that both players handled the situation with respect, no voices were raised, and it was all over in next to no time. So I watched it, digested it and moved on. 

Rafa ‘Slow Play’ Nadal?

Then I watched the Nadal/ Norrie 3rd round match. Something similar happened. Twice in the first set Norrie served down the ‘T’ and was met with a call from the umpire to retake the serve because Rafa wasn’t ready.

Credit to Cameron, he didn’t say anything. He asked for another ball, got back into his service motion and played out the point. 

Fast-forward to set 2. Norrie has just broken the Spaniard for the first time in the match. A crucial 15-30 point on the Brit’s serve. Once again the 13-time champion failed to set himself in time and the point was replayed on advice by the umpire.

This time Nadal wins the point and breaks straight back. 

Now I know what you are all saying. This happens at least once or twice a match. Why is this even worth talking about? Everybody does it. And the fact is, it’s only being talked about because it was Federer and now Nadal. One of the big three stepping out of line, even for a minute, is great for the media industry.

Djokovic fans are just happy it’s not their boy this time. 

Except for me, Nadal’s was so clearly a tactic to halt the momentum of the Brit. For those of you who have not watched much of the 46th-ranked Norrie, a staple of his game is his fast-paced turnover between points. It hurries his opponents and unsettles their routine. His speed was pretty evident at the start of the second set and Nadal was suffering for it.

A man, who we all know, thrives from his lengthy routines and specific bottle placements. 

So he chose, for the third time, to halt Cameron’s serve. This time it was clear Norrie took offence. During the changeover, he mentioned to the umpire that he was unhappy with the pace his opponent was playing at. Yet the umpire defended the Mallorca native. 

The official Grand Slam rule book for 2021, published by the ITF states: “The receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be ready to receive within a reasonable time of the server being ready. A Time Violation may be issued prior to the expiration of twenty-five (25) seconds if the receiver’s actions are delaying the reasonable pace of the server.” 

It was clear Nadal was delaying the pace of the server. Once is alright, twice is a bit annoying, but three times is intentional. There is no reason for Swedish umpire Louise Azemar Engzell to be defending Rafa’s actions at that point. It’s not as if he was holding him before Norrie was in his serving motion. Or because of crowd interruption. Yes, he was quick, but that’s his right as the server.

Not all players have the superstitious style of play that Nadal does. So why should those who play fast, be punished? They have to stand through the slow-paced game their opponent is playing. So why is it when roles are reversed, they get leniency? People could argue that players should have time to grab their towels. However, that in itself is a superstition of sorts. On hot and humid days I understand this need. Otherwise, a player does not need a towel after every single point. It’s an illegal stalling tactic to unease their opponent, check their confidence and regain a correct mental attitude. 

The majority of you will think that I am over-reacting. And I most probably am. However, we all celebrated the introduction of the shot clock. It made the game quicker. We didn’t have to sit there through 500 Djokovic ball bounces before each serve. So why not have the same energy towards those who don’t play to the servers speed. Introducing a rule that allows returners at least 10 seconds after each point, then they must be ready whenever the server is (with leniency of course) may work. I’m also very open to other suggestions. 

This first week of Roland Garros has gone pretty much as planned on the men’s side of the draw, with a few exceptions. Whilst there has been absolute chaos on the Women’s side. Let’s hope the carnage continues into the second week. 

 Patrick Stenson contributes to The Slice from outside London, England