Alcaraz calls for a change in rules after ‘absurd’ warning for time of service.

Carlos Alcaraz’s victory at the Qatar Open was not a stroll in the park, but rather a true battle that saw him overcome a set deficit against the impressive Karen Khachanov, closing the match with scores of 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-3. However, what truly stirred the emotions of the world number one was a controversial time violation that nearly compromised his performance. The player, who remains unbeaten in 2026, made a point of expressing his outrage over the rule that was applied during the match.

At a critical moment, when the match was tied at 4-4 in the first set, Alcaraz stepped away to grab a towel. Upon returning, he was surprised by a time violation warning, a decision that left him on high alert and clearly frustrated. The chair umpire insisted that the clock had been stopped while he was heading to the towel, but Alcaraz was not convinced. “She told me she stopped the clock when I was with the towel, but from the moment I asked for the balls until I was ready to serve, I didn’t have enough time,” he vented.

His sharp criticism of the rule was clear: “Honestly, I think the time rule is absurd. After a very demanding point, finishing at the net and running to the towel, I practically had no time.” He argued that the atmosphere of the match, with the crowd cheering, only added more pressure to the already intense moment. “I looked at the clock when there were three or four seconds left and I didn’t have enough time to serve, but she still gave me a warning.”

Alcaraz called for more flexibility in the rules, suggesting that a reconsideration would be beneficial for the dynamics of the game. “I think many players feel the same. Some have faster routines, others slower. I try to adapt as much as possible, and in many matches I have to respect the time, so I change my routine,” he stated. He emphasized that, to maintain the spectacle and connection with the audience, the ATP should consider adding a few seconds to the clock.

The battle against Khachanov was not only a demonstration of strength but also of resilience. “We know how these players are and we prepare for that,” said Alcaraz, who maintains a perfect record of six wins in six encounters against the Russian. Despite his dominance, he downplays the idea that these victories are easy. “The matches have always been tough and very close. They are a benchmark for me, and I’m happy to see that they are also trying to improve.”

Alcaraz’s triumph was even sweeter upon seeing his rival Jannik Sinner eliminated in the same stage of the tournament. Now, the Spaniard prepares to face reigning champion Andrey Rublev, in search of a spot in the final in Qatar. The 22-year-old continues to prove that, in addition to talent, he has the determination necessary to shine on the world tennis stage.