Andy Roddick proposes tennis rule changes regarding Alexander Zverev service routines
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 8:07 AM
Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick is calling for revisions to ATP serve-clock regulations following the prolonged service rituals of Alexander Zverev during the US Open. Roddick advocates for a shot clock specifically for second serves to prevent excessive ball bouncing and suggests that catchable service tosses should count as service faults. Current rules allow players 25 seconds between points, but the timing for second serves is subject to chair umpire discretion. Zverev, who received a time violation during his semifinal against Karen Khachanov, maintains his routine is a standard part of his preparation. Roddick also noted that Ben Shelton has shown improved backhand stability, which could impact the dynamics of his upcoming match against Zverev. The proposed changes aim to address the pace of play and prevent matches from extending into early morning hours.
- •Andy Roddick suggests implementing a shot clock specifically for second serves
- •Current rules permit chair umpires to use discretion when enforcing second-serve timing
- •Zverev previously received a time violation in a match against Karen Khachanov
- •Roddick argues that players should not be permitted to restart imperfect service tosses
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — The new rule tennis needs to introduce after Alexander Zverev’s actions throughout the US Open
- 8:07 AMYahoo Sports — Andy Roddick Demands Major Rule Change Over Alexander Zverev’s Bizarre Routine at US Open
- 8:07 AMEssentially Sports — Andy Roddick Demands Major Rule Change Over Alexander Zverev’s Bizarre Routine at US Open - EssentiallySports
"Tennis’ time rules leave some room for interpretation, and Alexander Zverev’s lengthy service routine brought that issue into focus at the US Open. The German’s habit of bouncing the ball too many times has attracted attention, with former World No.
"For all the success Alexander Zverev has enjoyed throughout 2026, he remains a figure of great contempt among large circles of the tennis community. Whether...
"Alexander Zverev's ball bouncing incident at the US Open sees Andy Roddick ask for changes in timing regulations in tennis
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 3:00 PMThe new rule tennis needs to introduce after Alexander Zverev’s actions throughout the US Open
For all the success Alexander Zverev has enjoyed throughout 2026, he remains a figure of great contempt among large circles of the tennis community. Whether...
- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 8:07 AMAndy Roddick Demands Major Rule Change Over Alexander Zverev’s Bizarre Routine at US Open
Tennis’ time rules leave some room for interpretation, and Alexander Zverev’s lengthy service routine brought that issue into focus at the US Open. The German’s habit of bouncing the ball too many times has attracted attention, with former World No.
- Essentially SportsSep 12, 2026, 8:07 AMAndy Roddick Demands Major Rule Change Over Alexander Zverev’s Bizarre Routine at US Open - EssentiallySports
Alexander Zverev's ball bouncing incident at the US Open sees Andy Roddick ask for changes in timing regulations in tennis
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
ATP•Nov 7, 2026, 3:19 AM2026 ATP Finals Lineup Confirmed
ATP•Nov 7, 2026, 2:29 AMJessica Pegula indirectly addresses hot mic incident at WTA Finals press conference
ATP•Nov 7, 2026, 1:46 AMAlcaraz survives marathon to end Fritz's ATP Finals hopes
ATP•Nov 6, 2026, 4:14 PMAlex Eala survives Antonia Ruzic test, storms into Hong Kong Open semifinals against Maria Sakkari
ATP•Nov 6, 2026, 3:58 PMBen Shelton breaks personal record as he sets up Paris Masters QF vs Tommy Paul
ATP•Nov 6, 2026, 3:24 PMWTA Promotes Player Personalities At ‘Crown Jewel’ Finals
