Time limits for tennis players? Time for a response - a request to the ATP & ITF

Disturbed by the number of warnings given at break point down. They distract the player and annoy the spectators. Are they really necessary? Isn't there a better way to do this? And why are the rules themselves inconsistent?

Just make it fair to all players. I don,t think a few seconds one way or another should determine the outcome of a match

All players need to be timed and warned equally and evenly throughout the match

Unless this time violation rule is consistently assessed each and every time the limit is exceeded and to each and every player who exceeds the limit, it should not be assessed at all. If this is not possible (and it isn't), it should be abolished. Let the players play!

I have no problem with the rule but it's not given to everybody even though players are clearly exceeding the time limit.

Rule Needs to be defined and not random as it appears now or scrap it completely and give longer especially on big points!

The integrity of the sport of tennis is currently compromised as a result of umpires' ability to influence match outcomes by subjective execution of the time violation rule.

Also other warning do not seem to be being as rigorously enforced such as bad language, especially when a less common language is used, and racquet abuse both of which present a very poor image of the sport more so than the time violation.

Really discouraging display which undermines the credibility and sportsmanship of tennis.

A shot clock may be an answer if TV is really such a big issue. But when to start the clock needs to be further discussed. Players should be allowed to recover after long rally and given more time when there're issues like windy condition, noisy crowd, etc. Still, it's absurd that umpires just focus on giving TVW to some players and become almost deaf and blind to other code violations like audible obscenity and racquet abuse. I don't mind if players take extra time than 25 sec to serve and play their hearts out on courts. But I can't stand those shouting profanity, faking injuries to distract their opponents and smashing racquets. ATP & ITF and umpires should pay more attention to players committing those code violations which are atrocious and set bad examples for all especially children. Cursing, swearing and vulgarity in other languages other than English, Spanish and Italian should not be exempt either. Umpires should apply the rules to all players fairly and equally.

The applcation f the time violation rule has generated so much abuse by the umpires that it should be seriously reviewed.

I bet the umpires have different start time... Make it fair for everybody ... Put a shot clock on court .

Rafa is the only one I have seen get a warning. There are others that go over the time limit as well.

It's ridiculous and sad to see umpires eager to give certain player(s) TVW and often ignore to warn or penalize some players who use profanities and smash racquets or break other code violations. What's worse is some commentators approve of the latter, saying they have characters and should release their frustrations (which in fact are bad behaviors and horrible examples for children and young players) but constantly attack one player for taking too long b/w points according to them not us anyway as if he's committing a crime.

Even esteemed tennis coaches think this is bull. Brad Gilbert in an interview for Tennis Now... http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2015/June/TN-Interview-Gilbert-on-Federer-s-Challenge,-Sere.aspx TN: We've discussed the shot clock in the past. What rule changes do you support to help the sport? Brad Gilbert: It's an absolute given the shot clock has to be on court. I study when some of these guys give Rafa a time violation. I see numerous times he's gone longer. Sometimes out of nowhere they give it to him serving out a match or a set. For me, it's bullshit. If you're going to call it then call it on the first point of the match. Simple solution: There's a shot clock. If it's a 20-ball rally, you don't start the shot clock until you call the score so that gives you a little bit of a buffer. That's what people don't realize: It's not 20 seconds if it's a 30-ball rally because the crowd doesn't settle down immediately. You wait until the crowd settles, then turn on the shot clock.

Federer has trouble beating Nadal so what do the authorities do, they hamper Nadal by forfeiting his first serve at a crucial point in a match. Job done. Shameful! I thought match fixing was illegal.

The inconsistent and haphazard manner that this rule is applied, and the fact that the only consistent thing about it is that Rafael Nadal is the only player regularly targeted is disconcerting and revolting. There really needs to be some semblance of equality and evenness in applying this rule, as well as objective standards which allow the player to know when he is in violation of the rule. The time violation rule right now is grossly unfair and a disgrace!

Please consider this petition; please do not dismiss it as insignificant. Fans of many different players are concerned; chair umpires should NOT be determining outcomes of matches, and trends such as this tend to snowball, eventually becoming the 'norm'.

The most stupidest donkey rule ever. Just get rid of it and let the players play at their own pace. The only player to complain was Rogerbecause he was getting his donkey whipped by Nadal. It's caused nothing but trouble on the ATP and irritates fans by doing the opposite of its intended effect... It actually make the match longer because of the wasted time to argue the penalties, &...without helping Roger get an edge over Nadal. It's a stupid Rule, admit you made a mistake by attempting to help Roger, by attempting to enforce it, and ultimately just get rid of it. ITS A STUPID RULE!

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