Carlos Alcaraz Slams ‘Absurd’ Rule After Clashing with Umpire in Doha: “Makes No Sense”

Carlos Alcaraz has set up his Qatar Open semifinal clash with defending champion Andrey Rublev.

Carlos Alcaraz Slams ‘Absurd’ Rule After Clashing with Umpire in Doha: “Makes No Sense”

Marija Cicak, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/The Tennis Letter, Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

In Short
  • Carlos Alcaraz criticized the shot clock rule after receiving a time violation warning during his match in Doha.
  • He argued that the rule is "absurd" and called for more leniency for players after demanding rallies.
  • Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals after defeating Karen Khachanov, improving his head-to-head record against him to 6-0.

Carlos Alcaraz went on a rant about the shot clock rule after being given the time violation warning by chair umpire Marija Cicak in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open. Alcaraz came from a set down to defeat Karen Khachanov on Thursday (February 20) to reach the semifinals of the Doha events for the first time.

The time violation incident happened in the third set after an incredible rally. During his argument with chair umpire Cicak, Alcaraz said, “ATP rules are always sh*t“. At the press conference, he urged the ATP to modify the shot clock rule to give more time to the players before serves.

Honestly, I think the time rule is absurd. After a very demanding point, finishing at the net, sprinting to my towel, I practically had no time left. She (the chair umpire) told me she stopped the clock when I was on my towel, but from then until I called for the balls and prepared to serve, I had no time to spare. To me, that makes no sense.

The win helped the 22-year-old improve his head-to-head record over Khachanov to a perfect 6-0. He will be locking horns with defending champion Andrey Rublev, who knocked out two-time Grand Slam runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Besides, the crowd was still shouting and cheering, which also causes delays. 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. Personally, I think there should be a bit more leniency, even a reconsideration of the rule, because in such tough matches, the same thing always happens, and to me, it’s ridiculous.

Carlos Alcaraz added

After making his debut in the Qatari capital last year, the seven-time Major champion succumbed to defeat in the quarterfinals against Jiri Lehecka. Alcaraz is on a 10-match winning streak as he also clinched his career’s first Australian Open title by defeating Novak Djokovic, becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to win seven Grand Slam titles as well as complete the Career Grand Slam.

The Spaniard is also chasing his ninth ATP 500 trophy, last winning a title of this level at the 2025 Japan Open against Taylor Fritz. The last time Alcaraz lost a match was in the title clash of last year’s ATP Finals.

Diego Schwartzman on what could stop Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz from winning 20 Grand Slam titles

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the winners of four and seven Grand Slam titles, respectively. Will they ever catch up with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic and finish their careers with 20 or more Major titles? Former player, Diego Schwartzman, doesn’t think so.

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

So do I think they can win 20 Grand Slams? I don’t know. Let’s see in the future. I don’t know if they can win 20 Grand Slams. It’s going to be tough. I think they’re going to split too many different slams in the next few years.

Diego Schwartzman told Tennishead

At the Australian Open, Sinner, who was chasing his third consecutive title, lost to Djokovic in the semifinals. Then at the Qatar Open, the four-time Grand Slam champion suffered a three-set defeat at the hands of Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals. And this means one thing: if Alcaraz reaches the final, he wouldn’t be clashing with the 24-year-old for the 17th time in his career.

After the Qatar Open, both Sinner and Alcaraz will shift their focus to the Sunshine Doubles, which Sinner skipped last year due to his doping scandal. Alcaraz crashed out of both events last year without making the quarterfinals.

Also read: Coco Gauff Reveals Crowd Mindset After Ending Alexandra Eala’s Campaign in Dubai