Alcaraz Calls ATP Rules 'Shit' After Time Violation in Doha

World No. 1 tennis player Carlos Alcaraz criticizes ATP time rules after receiving a penalty during his quarterfinal match in Doha.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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World No. 1 tennis player Carlos Alcaraz won his quarterfinal match at the 2026 Qatar Total Energies Open in Doha against Karen Khachanov, but the main talking point was Alcaraz's animated discussion with the chair umpire about the ATP time rules. Alcaraz was penalized for a time violation when getting his towel after a long point, and he called the ATP rules 'shit' several times in his discussion with the umpire.

Why it matters

Alcaraz's criticism of the ATP time rules highlights an ongoing issue in professional tennis, where players have complained about the subjective nature of the rules and the chair umpires' discretion in enforcing them. The towel rule, in particular, has been a point of contention, as players struggle to adhere to the time constraints while also trying to maintain proper hydration and recovery between points.

The details

Alcaraz was penalized for a time violation when getting his towel after a long point. Even his opponent, Khachanov, thought the penalty was uncalled for and asked the chair umpire to cancel it, but the umpire said she was unable to do so. At the next changeover, Alcaraz expressed his frustration with the ATP rules, calling them 'shit' several times in his discussion with the umpire. The umpire explained that she did not start the 25-second clock until Alcaraz got his towel, but Alcaraz remained skeptical.

  • Alcaraz was penalized for a time violation when getting his towel after a long point.

The players

Carlos Alcaraz

The current World No. 1 tennis player who won his quarterfinal match at the 2026 Qatar Total Energies Open in Doha against Karen Khachanov.

Karen Khachanov

Alcaraz's opponent in the quarterfinal match at the 2026 Qatar Total Energies Open in Doha.

Marija Cicak

The chair umpire for Alcaraz's match, who is typically a WTA umpire.

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What they’re saying

“The ATP rules are always shit. They're shit.”

— Carlos Alcaraz (The Tennis Letter)

“Ok. Well, I think we got the point.”

— Chair Umpire (The Tennis Letter)

The takeaway

Alcaraz's criticism of the ATP time rules highlights an ongoing issue in professional tennis, where players have struggled with the subjective nature of the rules and the chair umpires' discretion in enforcing them. The towel rule, in particular, has been a point of contention, as players try to balance hydration and recovery with the time constraints. Alcaraz's comments suggest that the ATP may need to re-evaluate its time rules to ensure a better balance between entertaining matches and player comfort.