Ben Shelton speaks out on Alexander Zverev controversy after US Open final jeers
- Ben Shelton has urged tennis governing bodies to reform serve regulations after being required to remain in a receiving stance during Alexander Zverev’s lengthy pre-serve routine during the US Open final.
- The 23-year-old American criticised umpire Marijana Veljovic for instructing him to stand ready on the baseline while Zverev bounced the ball up to 25 times over a 30-second period.
- Shelton pointed out a flaw in current tennis rules, noting that while first serves are subject to a 25-second shot clock, no such time limitation exists for second serves.
- Top seed Zverev won the match 6-3 7-6 (2) 5-7 6-2 to secure his second major title of the year following his earlier victory at the French Open, but was jeered by the US Open crowd during Sunday’s final.
- The German’s four-set victory dashed host nation hopes for a first American male grand slam singles champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.
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