Central umpire Pascal Maria was the highlight of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park when he charged Rafael Nadal with a time violation in the semi against Grigor Dimitrov.
Federer vs Nadal live scores, blog
Nadal’s petulant reaction was in keeping with his attitude of ‘how dare you charge me, I’m Rafael Nadal.’
Get ready for Roger vs Rafa
» Tell us your tip
» Five talking points
» Preview and prediction
» Roger and Rafa, the rivalry
» There’s something about Roger
But nobody should have been surprised with the violation and that should have included Nadal.
He has been a serial offender throughout his career with his illegal way of slowing down play endorsed by central umpires who turned a blind eye.
What’s the point of having a rule if it isn’t policed?
And why didn’t Maria repeatedly charge Nadal who violates every serving point?
The server must deliver within 20 seconds of the completion of the previous point.
Nadal never does.
By the time he deliberately towels himself, selects two balls from four or five, picks his pants out of his backside, taps both of his shoulders, both ears, the top of his head, then his nose and mouth, the 20 seconds are long gone.
There is still the bouncing of the ball off his racquet, and more bounces by hand before Nadal settles in to serve, staring off his opponent in the process.
In the meantime, Nadal’s opponent is bent forward waiting to receive – waiting, waiting, waiting for between 30 and 40 seconds.
It’s Nadal’s way of trying to make his opponent die of boredom.
I don’t know who the central umpire will be tonight in the decider against one of the all-time gentlemen of the court, Roger Federer.
But for the integrity of the final, the central umpire must crack down on Nadal’s cheating.
Three violations would see Nadal wiped out of the tournament which would create an uproar in the capacity house.
But it would be poetic justice that at last Nadal’s illegal game plan has been busted.
There’s no argument Nadal is one of the greatest players to ever wield the racquet but if he has to cheat, why compete?
I am waiting for the day an opponent constantly calls out: “Whenever you’re ready Rafa” to publicly alert the central umpire to Nadal’s illegal tactics.
The only trouble with that ploy is to have a central umpire with the courage to charge Nadal who has the vast majority of central umpires totally bluffed.
But there will be a day when Nadal is pinged out of the tournament and I just hope I am watching.
clipper
Guest
I don't know if he does it for strategy or if he is genuinely slow between points, but if you break the rules, you are cheating, doesn't matter if you get called on it or not. It's wrong and should be enforced more.
Tom M
Guest
You have it all wrong champ. Federer fought for the lower ranked players not nadal. Federer has always been one the most humble champions of our time, not since Jack Nicholas has a champion been so humble.
In brief
Guest
You don't know what you are talking about. You've got that completely wrong. - Federer backed the lower ranked players by arguing for a 12 month calendar year for rankings, while Nadal wanted to change it to 24 months, favouring the big 4. Federer is on the players Council and fought for fairer money for lower ranked players and better scheduling- Nadal didn't. Federer's peers including lower ranked players have awarded Federer the most best and fairest player award more than any other player.
Kane
Guest
I believe you got your wish and saw his tears of joy?
Andy
Guest
But during his prime he always had to beat himself pretty much, except Nadal on clay. Federer in his prime was untouchable so he would have felt that he didnt play his best and thats why he lost.
Redsback
Guest
I do hope we see some more of those cry baby tears in about 2 hours.
bill
Roar Rookie
I just timed four points and all were over 25 secs one was 37. I don't watch tennis as I find it slow. Speed this one rule up and you will get more people watching.
I hate pies
Guest
"Federer is actually quite a bad loser"...that's a bold statement anon1, but one I'm happy to second. When he was in his prime he certainly had the propensity to tantrum when he lost. Then again, you can't get to that position without hating to lose. If only Nick Kyrios cared about winning that much...
Raon
Guest
If you don't like Nadal, you cannot say that he is cheating,to pull up your favourite player.it is a strategy he is using it wisely.you cannot term a word against great Rafa.
Scott Pryde
Expert
You sort of lost me by saying the chair umpire was the highlight of the Australian Open? Seriously David? Seriously? Did you actually watch the five-hour spectacle that was one of the best matches I've ever witnessed. On the actual article though, I agree the chair umpire's have to get consistent. Calling it only once in a match gives them a bad wrap.
VamosRafa
Guest
The rule isn't enforced, and many players take advantage, though Rafa is the worst. The former players/analysts have all rightly noted that, until its enforced, its going to be abused. Its really no different, then, than when many pitchers in major league baseball got away w throwing "strikes" 4-6 inches off the plate, because the umpire was calling them. Or when Muchael Jordan or multiple other top tier players get away w fouls that others don't, how some coaches w longer track records ride officials and get the benfit of calls Really, this is a pretty cowardly calling out of an athlete who has much-deserved world-wide respect because of his humility and how he plays the tame. Calling him a cheat is freaking ridiculous
anon1
Guest
I think it would benefit Nadal to have every instance of going over the 20 second mark penalised because after long rallies it's never Nadal gasping for breath. The issue with going over the time limit is that umpires wait for the most inopportune time to ping him. Why not do it on his second service point of the match? I find Federer to be insincere and a phony. A few years back when players had grievances about the calendar and scheduling, Nadal was out there supporting the lower ranked players grievances while Federer couldn't have cared less because he's happy with his half a billion dollars. Federer NEVER EVER gives unqualified credit to Nadal and Djokovic. It's always a backhanded compliment at most. Nadal is genuine in his praise and respect. Federer is actually quite a bad loser.
The Finger
Guest
David, you have made several good points. Nadal is a brutal fighter, who will consistently intimidate his opposition. Getting regular coaching from his box is another gripe of mine. Compare his on court behaviour with Federer, who is arguably the greatest ornament to tennis in the last 50 years. Every stroke in the book - exquisite to watch. A gentleman's persona. He is the guy I want the kids to emulate, not someone whose stretching of rules I find tiresome. I thought that Dimitrov's behaviour, court presence and orthodox shot making was delightful. I'm sorry he lost, but there will be more finals for him to look forward to. I think that Nadal will win tonight against Federer - but desperately hope I'm wrong. And, along the way, bring on penalties against Nadal for consistently wasting time.
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
Yup blame it all on the sweat substitute he undoubtedly lathers all over himself before every match so he can take those extra five seconds. How utterly naughty of Rafa ?
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
Could not agree more Darren. A real non-issue distracting from what will be a wonderful contest between two respectful champions of the sport.
Darren L
Roar Rookie
I counted the time lapsed about 10 times in the quarter on Nadal's serve and the longest was 27 seconds and half the time he was just on 20. The only time the referee warned him was on break point and the time lapsed was no different to any other - that was interesting timing if the referees are meant to favour Nadal. Have you timed the 30-40 seconds as he didn't take that long once when I was observing. Also, Nadal doesn't change his routine at critical points like some other players - he just does the same each time. I'll just be looking forward to a great match and this issue is really a non-issue.
duecer
Guest
Have to agree. The rules are the rules and should apply to everyone. Imagine if you weren't foot faulted because you were only 1cm over. Unfortunately, no chair umpire will have the courage to apply it strictly, which is a great pity as it has gone on for so long that he now accepts that is how it is. Will win tonight, so the debate will be on again tomorrow.
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
Actually David you are wrong this time. The umpire I understand has discretion beyond the 20 seconds so your not so subtle dig probably falls a bit short. On top of that, in the case you point to, Dimitrov was taking on an average between 23 and 25 seconds and Rafa was taking 27. So please just be prepared to witness a wonderful match between two great champions who obviously respect each other not to be bothered by noise like the above.
Eden
Guest
I agree. As amazing a player as Nadal is - incredible defence, shotmaking, mental strength - his slow play and grunting makes him one of my least favourites. I think only soderling had the courage to stand up to his negative tactics.
Mike
Guest
"If you have to cheat to compete, play another sport." Does that mean it's Ok by you to cheat, so long as it's not tennis?