US Open finalist Ben Shelton has criticized a rule requiring players to be positioned and ready during their opponent’s service routine, describing it as impractical and outdated. Shelton, who lost in the tournament, expressed frustration after being instructed by umpire Marijana Veljovic to stand on the baseline while German player Alexander Zverev prepared to serve, despite Zverev’s extended pre-serve routine.

Zverev has drawn attention during the event for his habit of bouncing the ball up to 25 times before delivering a serve. While tennis rules impose a 25-second time limit between points on the first serve, there is no formal restriction on the second serve timing, allowing some players to take longer in their preparations. Shelton argued that having to remain poised and ready during such routines is unreasonable.

“There’s not an athlete in the world that you’re going to watch them do their thing,” Shelton said, referring to the expectation to stay ready during lengthy serving rituals. He described the rule as “stupid,” noting that it fails to accommodate players who take time to complete their routines, which can last well beyond the official time limits.

Shelton’s remarks highlight ongoing debates around pace-of-play rules in tennis, where players’ individual serving habits can affect the rhythm of matches. Critics of the current regulations argue that some routines disrupt the flow of play and force receivers into prolonged periods of inactivity. Meanwhile, defenders assert that players should have the freedom to prepare as needed within reasonable limits established to maintain fairness and player safety.

The issue gained prominence at the US Open due to Zverev’s distinctive timing, which has reportedly caused annoyance among several competitors. The controversy underscores the challenges faced by officials in balancing enforcement of pace-of-play rules with respect for players’ routines and tactics.

Umpires at the tournament have maintained that players must be ready to receive serves promptly, but the absence of a strict time limit for second serves means some rules remain open to interpretation. Shelton’s public critique may renew calls within the tennis community for clearer guidelines or adjustments to existing regulations governing serving time and receiver readiness.