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

The warnings should start at the beginning of the watch at the first time violation- waiting until a 3 set break point is wrong - the umpires are being unfair- either enforce from the first point of the match

It is unfair to all players if the time violation rule is not applied fairly. No rule in tennis should have the ability to alter the outcome of any match. It is a must that his rule be applied from beginning to end of a match with a warning first before a penalty takes place.

The inconsistent application of Tennis Time Violation Warning, especially at critical point, look more like vendetta against specific players than non-discrimatively applying rules. This is not fair, does not represent the values this sport tries to convey, and it needs to be stopped!

Short time is bad for players

Let the players play and allow the tennis fans to enjoy tennis as it is. Apply the rule fairly to all players or don't appy at all. In sports, all athletes are different and penalize those who commit foul play.

The inconsistency of this rule is spoiling tennis for the players and fans alike!

I agree with Fritz Haussmann, from Ghana and Jackie Barry from Australia. ATP/ITF keep it clean and democratic.

this is not enforced with any consistency.

Either apply a rule consistently or do away with it.

Get rid of the rule...let the players play their game!!

The rule is arbitrarily applied. Either put a clock on court so that all can see that its use is fair, or don't use it at all.

The inconsistency is almost to the point of ridiculous. Either use this for every tennis player....every time they go over the limit or don't do it at all. Personally, I think it is making the game less enjoyable. If you want to change something, do better at giving violations to the players that scream curses & throw tantrums.

A few days ago I watched replay of 2008 Wimbledon final between Fed & Rafa. It was such an enjoyable match, not only because of the superb tennis, but because there wasn't any of this time violation crap. I don't think this time violation fiasco was created due to us fans complaining, it was done by tennis officials and it's not working. Stop ruining our sport, we don't need this, the tennis was fine without it!!!

I think times should be longer!

Rules need to be fair and consistently applied. Make some changes!

If you're going to enforce the time limitations, do it consistently at the beginning of the match, or forfeit your right to do it al all. Waiting until a crucial point is ridiculous.

The following is an amalgamation of concerns raised by most people opposed to the Time Violation Rule with regard to Nadal, since, let's not beat about the bush, this is whom it's aimed at! Rule - ".....play shall be continuous and a player shall not unreasonably delay a match for any cause." Nadal does not have a particularly strong serve and he sweats profusely; his routine is mostly sweat related- he towels down, swipes sweat from brow & nose, tugs at drenched,clinging shirt etc- is this unreasonable delay? In order to save time, Nadal no longer even towels down when serving; this must be incredibly uncomfortable - this is an unreasonable imposition on any player! And it wouldn't come as any surprise to note that Federer, the prime mover of the 25 sec rule has a strong serve and barely sweats! Everybody serves differently -1)Ace machines, 2)strong servers, 3)regular servers & 4)weak servers. The latter two compensate with strategy, which requires time. Since protecting one's serve is the main objective of a tennis match, all intrusions and any menaces  during a players service game disrupt his concentration and Mirka Federer's role in Wawrinka's loss to Federer at last year's WTF illustrates this. Why would anyone in their right mind want to disadvantage players whose serve already borders on a liability by further cutting  back on their time? It's like the referee giving one boxer a blow below the belt then signalling for the match to start Brad Drewett, of blessed memory, abolished the erstwhile grossly unfair point penalties associated with the Time Violation Rule (this was actually carried over from the original 30 second rule) , and I have no doubt whatsoever that were he to have witnessed this recent abuse of the rule to violate one particular player's style and tempo he would have abolished it altogether, just as he had no qualms about abolishing the dangerous blue clay in contrast to ATP CEO Helfant  who curiously felt his role was NOT to car

I appreciate the need for a time limit between points but agree that the rule isn't applied consistently at the moment. I've never understood why players are given 25 seconds between points in a best of 3 match but only 20 in best of 5?? Seems to be more about administration than the players. Perhaps it would be better if it was based on the number of shots in a rally ie. 20 seconds for less than 10 shots & 25 for 10 & over. Personally I'm happy to wait a few seconds for the players to recover & prepare if it makes for a better rally. Anyway, whatever the rule it should be applied fairly & consistently or not at all.

Inconsistent application at key points is the issue. Why not highlight everytime there is a violation instead of waiting until breakpoint. Also, racket abuse and verbal abuse should be a violation.

Seems to me a certain player is targeted more than any other at crucial points