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.
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…