Nadal Calls New ATP Time Rule a "Disaster" in Indian Wells

During a post-match press conference at Indian Wells, Rafael Nadal continued voicing his displeasure at the ATP's new 25 second rule.

By Erik Gudris

(March 11th, 2013) -- Rafael Nadal is very unhappy about the ATP's new 25 second rule and did not mince words about it during a post-match press conference at the BNP Paribas Open.

After winning his second round meeting against Ryan Harrison Saturday night, Nadal responded to an indirect question about him appearing to play quicker during the match than he normally does.

"That's true. I played much faster, no? And I am doing because somebody very smart puts a new rule that is a disaster, in my opinion," Nadal said in response, referring to the ATP's new 25 second rule that requires the server to put the ball in play in the allotted time or receive a time violation.

The former No. 1 went on to say that he feels the new rule goes against what he called "the great points in tennis" that he believes fans enjoy watching the most.

"The best points of the season are long rallies and amazing points," Nadal said. "With this twenty-five seconds, you play a long rally and you think you can play another long rally next point? No. So go against the good tennis. So the guy who really accepted this rule was not very smart, in my opinion."

Nadal, who is known for being one of the slower pros on tour in-between points, has not been the only ATP player to either complain or express confusion about the new rule. Since the rule was adopted last year and then enforced at that start of this season, opinions have varied from players, officials and fans on its efficacy and necessity.

Kevin Anderson, after his win over David Ferrer, said that although he thought the rule was a good one, it was still a work in progress. Anderson also said that the rule would be discussed at an upcoming players' meeting in Miami.

"Just from the standpoint I think it's a good rule. It makes it fair for everybody," said Anderson. "But I have heard ‑‑ as the year has gone on, some guys are saying it's getting a bit more lax. There aren't as many time violations going on out there. I just heard a couple guys saying with different matches some people are sticking to the rule and some people aren't. It's a work in progress, so hopefully after Miami we will be able to sort of assess where it's at and see what other people are feeling."

(Photo Credit: Natasha Peterson/Corleve)