Carlos Alcaraz shares one-word opinion on ATP time rules in Doha

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20 February 2026 at 23:08

‘Tennis World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz won his quarterfinal match at the 2026 Qatar Total Energies Open in Doha against Karen Khachanov in come-from-behind fashion, needing three sets on Thursday.

That was not the main takeaway from the match. Instead, it was Alcaraz’s animated discussion with the chair umpire about the ATP time rules.

Alcaraz was penalized for a time violation when getting his towel after a long point. Even Khachanov thought it was uncalled for and asked the chair umpire to cancel the time violation. She said she was unable to do that.

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At the next changeover, Alcaraz wanted the chair umpire to know what he thought of the penalty and, more specifically, the ATP time rules.

He called the ATP rules “sh*t” several times in his discussion with her. She explained that she did not start the 25-second clock until he got his towel, but he was skeptical.

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Carlos Alcaraz Is Right About ATP Rules

Jan 31, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after his victory over Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

The ATP rules are subjective. The chair umpire is in charge of the clock and can use discretion about when to start it, especially after long physical points, to allow the players to catch their breath.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev have also complained about what they believed were improper time violations against them in recent years.

https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1886549245211136133

Towels create problems. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the ball kids could bring players their towels between points. Now, the players have to walk to the side of the court to get their towels. Alcaraz was heard repeatedly telling the chair umpire that he understands he is not allowed to go to his towel because of the time constraints.

Ironically, the WTA does not have persistent time violation issues, and the chair umpire for Alcaraz’s match, Marija Cicak, is typically a WTA umpire.

Winning did not cure everything. Alcaraz commented on the time violation in his post-match press appearances. He said the ATP does not like to hear player complaints and is trying to make the matches entertaining to attract fans; however, Alcaraz does not think the players can put on a good show if they are rushed in circumstances like this.