Prior to Wimbledon, Tim Henman dismisses Jack Draper’s and Carlos Alcaraz’s objections.

Prior to Wimbledon, Tim Henman dismisses Jack Draper's and Carlos Alcaraz's objections.
Prior to Wimbledon, Tim Henman dismisses Jack Draper's and Carlos Alcaraz's objections.

Prior to Wimbledon, Tim Henman dismisses Jack Draper’s and Carlos Alcaraz’s objections.

Despite its early detractors, Tim Henman has responded to Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper by asserting that the computerized shot clock is the future of tennis.

Critics claim that starting the 25-second shot clock after the umpire declared the score too much delayed the game.

But thanks to a change that was tested this week at Queen’s, it now starts practically right away when a point is over.

Prior to Wimbledon, Tim Henman dismisses Jack Draper's and Carlos Alcaraz's objections.
Prior to Wimbledon, Tim Henman dismisses Jack Draper’s and Carlos Alcaraz’s objections.

Alcaraz and Draper expressed dissatisfaction with the modification, although Henman maintains that it’s an essential step towards streamlining the game, despite some initial issues.

“People talk about changing the game,” he stated in an interview with The Daily Star. I disagree with the shot clock in one particular place.

It could be a really beneficial addition. But, I think the way it’s being applied is incorrect. The umpire controls the only watch you have.

In tennis, “25 seconds between points” is the rule. However, observe when the 25 seconds begin. It always happens after the crowd has adjourned and the score has been announced.

“A game is won to 30, which is six points, if 10 seconds are wasted. Every game has one minute of dead time. You have ten minutes for your 6-4 set. A five-set match lasts for fifty minutes. I firmly believe that we might perform far better as a sport.

Alcaraz wasn’t a fan though, with the world No.2 saying: “I think for the players it’s something bad. I finish the point at the net and I had no time to ask for balls. I’m not saying to go to a towel and take my time. I feel like I can’t ask for the balls.”

Novak Djokovics’s recent French Open clash with Lorenzo Musetti made headlines for not finishing until 3am in the morning.

Djokovic bemoaned the scheduling of the match, which didn’t even start until gone 10.30pm, admitting the late finish took plenty out of him.

Henman believes the new shot-clock trial could go a long way to eliminating similarly dragged out contests in the future.

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