Ben Shelton, the US Open runner-up, calls for a change to a rule requiring return players to hold their position while the server completes their routine. After Alexander Zverev repeatedly bounces the ball before serving, Shelton says he was told he had to wait and stand in place rather than moving freely until Zverev started his service motion.
Across reports, Zverev’s pre-serve routine during the US Open is described as a major irritation for multiple players. One article says Zverev bounces the ball up to 25 times before beginning his serve, and another reports Shelton’s response to the practice. Outlet coverage notes that Shelton waits until Zverev is actually ready rather than crouching in return position for the full period of bouncing, framing the issue around whether the current service/return procedure is workable. The outlets differ mainly in tone and phrasing, with Shelton characterizing the rule as “stupid” and focusing on the time spent waiting, rather than disputing Zverev’s intent or results.
