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Tennis clocks get good reviews but cut into tune time

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AFP Washington
Last Updated : Aug 02 2018 | 11:15 AM IST

New serve and warm-up clocks that debuted in ATP and WTA main draws this week received generally good reviews from players, although hurried warm-ups cut into music time for some.

The serve clock gives players 25 seconds to begin their service motion from the time the chair umpire announces the score.

The warm-up clock allows one minute from on-court arrival to get to the net, five minutes for warming up and another minute to get ready to play.

"It's a positive change for tennis," three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said after his first-round match at the Washington Open.

"It's one of those things in tennis that's so stupid. How are you supposed to count 25 seconds in your head?"
"You still have a lot of time and it's good for the game. For sure you look (at the clock) but you're always early compared to the umpire."
"The minute to walk on, I don't like that. I had to take my headphones off so I didn't get fined there."
"I usually listen to music all the way to the bench and I had to stop half way. I was a little upset about that."
"When you're 6-6 in the third set of a close match you don't want to look at a clock. But it is what it is. Hopefully everyone will adjust well."
"For myself, it's not going to be easy," he said. "I'm not going to have time to think much about where to put my serve. I won't have much time to think between the points and with the heat it's going to be a little bit tough."
- Helps 'stronger' player -
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"I like it. It does speed up the game," she said. "I got ready a little quicker than I used to. It did stress me out a little bit first match. In the beginning I was looking at it all the time. When I realized I was doing fine, it relaxed me."

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First Published: Aug 02 2018 | 11:15 AM IST

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