It was the Australian Open 2020. Rafael Nadal was up against Dominic Thiem for a place in the semifinals. The Austrian started the match strongly, winning the closely fought first set in the tie-breaker. Further, mid-way through the second set, an incident took place which left the Spaniard fuming.

Nadal, who is usually known for his cool head, was seemingly unhappy after chair umpire Aurelie Tourte handed him a violation for taking too long between serves. He made his feelings clear to the officials thereafter. The number 1 seed looked rattled and subsequently, he lost the match in 4-sets.

However, that was not the only time the Spaniard has had issues with the service clock. There have been numerous such occasions. Recently, during his match against Denis Shapovalov at the Australian Open 2022, the Canadian had pointed out to the umpire that Nadal slowed things down. Further, American tennis legend Billie Jean King has opened up on the issue of service clocks in tennis.

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Billie Jean King points out the service clock is a problem for Rafael Nadal

Patrick McEnroe recently invited Billie Jean King to his podcast. The two legends were discussing various issues in the marketability of tennis when the topic of the service clock came up.

King said, “The service clock, you get what 25 seconds or 30, why don’t they have on the TV at the bottom when I’m looking below left on the screen. When Nadal’s playing, this is one of his issues. They will put the d*rn thing up their so I can count down just like they did in football, basketball, every sport. Either there’s a clock or you get the watch. What’s important for tennis is our service clock. So put it up there.”

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However, these particular issues haven’t barred the Spaniard from dictating his supremacy. He has now lifted 21 Grand Slam singles titles, most by a man in history. The former World No. 1 will be eager to carry his form forward into the coming tournaments. He will next play at Abierto Mexicano in Acapulco, Mexico, which is an ATP 500 event. Can the Spaniard attain the top spot in the ATP rankings again? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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