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By Erik Gudris | Saturday, June 28, 2014

 
Roger Federer Wimbledon

Roger Federer gave his thoughts on players not exceeding the allotted time between points either on tour or at the Grand Slams.

Photo Credit: Kieran Galvin / CameraSport

Roger Federer isn't a fan of slow play either.

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After his second round win over Gilles Muller, the seven-time Wimbledon champion was asked his thoughts on players taking up too much time between points.

"No, I just think it's important that we, as players, play up to speed, you know, and don't exceed the speed -- the time limit, because what I don't want is that we lose viewers because we play too slow," Federer said during his Wednesday press conference. "I was talking in particular if the points are short. You cannot take 25 seconds. I mean, I know you need to focus. That you can do in 10 seconds. Just can't be that we only see two points per minute. I just feel like we need to keep up the pace and obviously play according to the rules."

Lukas Rosol, after his loss to Rafael Nadal, complained the Spaniard took extra time in their second round match. Nadal did not receive a warning in that match though he has earned them in other ones during his career.

Players are allowed 25 seconds between points during ATP matches. But at the Grand Slams, they are only given 20 seconds.

Federer believes it's ultimately up to the umpire to enforce the rules. Though he admitted he's watched some matches before that turned him off as a spectator due to the pace of play.

"The rules are there not to be broken, but of course you need to give leeway to tough rallies and somebody who's got -- needs a bit more time. I'm fine with that. I just think overall -- because I just realize it happened to me. I did watch some matches. I don't remember who it was. But they were playing so slow I was like, Okay, I really -- I can't watch it. It's like going too slow for me. That's why I said that."

Federer, who recently stepped down as President of the ATP Player's Council, revealed that they had discussed several options, including the use of a shot clock, but that nothing yet had been decided.

"Basically we just said we needed to just enforce the rule, is that it? It wasn't a rule change. It was about enforcing the rule and tell the umpires to basically do what they are supposed to be doing -- and not just let it run its course every single time."

Federer will play Santiago Giraldo in the third round on Saturday.

 

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