De Minaur Proposed Rule Change to Serve Tosses
Tennis star Alex de Minaur suggested limiting players to one ball toss per serve attempt to curb match delays.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Tennis
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Should professional tennis leagues limit the number of ball tosses allowed before a serve?
Alex de Minaur has proposed a rule change that would require tennis players to execute a serve on the first ball toss. Under this proposal, any player who catches or declines to hit their initial toss would be assessed a fault.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to curb the amount of time players spend between their first and second serves, addressing concerns regarding the slow pace of professional matches. Currently, excessive routines and pauses between serves have become a frequent point of contention among competitors.
Professional players frequently bounce the ball 20 to 25 times before serving. De Minaur recently defeated Rei Sakamoto with a match score of 7-6(6) 6-4.
The players
Alex de Minaur
An Australian professional tennis player known for his speed and tactical approach to the game.
Ben Shelton
An American professional tennis player who has expressed frustration with slow service routines.
Karen Khachanov
A professional tennis player who emphasized the role of officials in monitoring match timing.
Rei Sakamoto
A professional tennis player who recently competed against Alex de Minaur.
The details
The rule change would force players to serve immediately upon the first toss, eliminating the opportunity for multiple attempts during a single serve point. Proponents argue this will streamline the game, while others believe current rules regarding time violations are sufficient if enforced by officials.
Timeline
Sunday, October 11, 2026: Alex de Minaur defeated Rei Sakamoto.
Season Trajectory
This proposal highlights ongoing tensions regarding the pace of play in professional tennis, which could influence future discussions on match officiating and rule enforcement. If adopted, it would significantly alter the pre-serve routines that currently define the rhythm of the tour season.
The proposed rule would eliminate second-chance tosses, effectively reducing the margin for error on a first serve. This change would shift the pressure onto players to execute their serve cleanly on every attempt.
The takeaway
De Minaur’s proposal reflects a broader push within the sport to eliminate dead time and increase the speed of competitive matches. Fans and players alike continue to debate how much ritual is appropriate before a ball is put into play.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional match regulations, visit Tennis.
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Should professional tennis leagues limit the number of ball tosses allowed before a serve?
