VnExpress counted roughly 12,000 bounces in Zverev’s first five US Open matches. Shelton and Khachanov questioned the delay before second serves, while Zverev denied deliberately slowing play.
Alexander Zverev serves in the men's singles final at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium, part of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, on Sept. 13, 2026. Photo: AP
Alexander Zverev's lengthy ball-bouncing routine has prompted debate after the 2026 US Open. Ben Shelton and Karen Khachanov said the waiting disrupted their rhythm.
VnExpress cites a count of roughly 12,000 bounces across Zverev's first five matches. Shelton called for clearer limits on preparation before second serves.
Zverev denied deliberately delaying play and said he did not count his bounces. The players' comments are proposals, rather than an approved rule change.
Sources & further reading
Open the original reporting and reference material.
