Rafael Nadal has expressed mild shock after being penalised under a new ATP rule for taking too long on a toilet break.
The Spaniard was caught out by the chair umpire during a 6-1 6-2 hammering of Jason Kubler as he knocked the Aussie out in the Brisbane International second round in a late night match-up.
But the 37-year-old got an earful from the official for exceeding the new five-minute limit for time off court, with Nadal taking advantage to go for a change of clothes after storming through the opening set.
A time warning did not sit well with the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who had to talk it out with the chair before completing his demolition job.
“It was something strange because I know I have five minutes. Brisbane is very humid. I had to change every single piece (of clothing), it takes a while.
“I came out at the right time. But I don’t know if the guy with me said to the umpire that I was four seconds late.
“I thought I was on time, then he told me I was four seconds late. I am slow, I know that, and I’ve got to keep trying to improve in 2024.”
Nadal was continuing his comeback event after a year away with injury, taking on another Aussie in Jordan Thompson in the quarter-finals.
Main photo:- Rafa Nadal celebrates winning in Brisbane.
