The rule that Roger Federer asked tennis to enforce in 2014 which did impact Rafael Nadal

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Roger Federer is undeniably one of tennis’s coolest and most relaxed-looking individuals, but was never afraid of standing up to injustice.

If he felt cheated or saw the need for his sport to make a change, the Swiss maestro would voice that opinion wherever he saw fit.

And, as the visionary who brought the Laver Cup to life, it’s clear that he is and has always been constantly searching for ways to better tennis and keep himself involved even in retirement.

However, back in 2014, he actually called for umpires to enforce one notable rule with far greater strength, claiming that their failure to do so could prohibit the number of viewers tennis would gather.

When Roger Federer called for umpires to be stricter on key rule

Speaking mid-way through the 2014 edition of the Wimbledon Championships, Roger Federer was keen to emphasise a suggestion he thought was of great importance to the future of the sport.

He claimed: “I just think it’s important that we, as players, play up to speed, and don’t exceed the time limit, because what I don’t want is that we lose viewers because we play too slow.

“I was talking in particular if the points are short. You cannot take 25 seconds. I mean, I know you need to focus. That you can do in 10 seconds.

“Just can’t be that we only see two points per minute. I just feel like we need to keep up the pace, and obviously play according to the rules.”

This particular topic was spurred on by Rafael Nadal’s win the day before, with the Spaniard having been accused of taking too long between points by his opponent, Lukas Rosol.

Federer concluded by stating: “Basically we just said we needed to just enforce the rule, is that it? It wasn’t a rule change. It was about enforcing the rule and tell the umpires to basically do what they are supposed to be doing—and not just let it run its course every single time.”

Rafael Nadal’s tricky relationship with the shot clock

This is but one example of when Nadal was slammed for his relationship with the shot clock.

After all, as he prepared to serve, the legendary 39-year-old was famed for his rituals.

Extending to the way in which he would lay out his water bottles at the benches, this need for order then spilled into his game, where he would brush his forehand and nose, adjust his shorts and touch his shoulder.

However, all these quirks took time, and he routinely battled with the time constraints set by the rule-makers.

As such, Nadal often complained about the shot clock, once stating: “I’m slow, I recognise that. But for me, to apply those 25 seconds in all circumstances will affect the quality of the game.”

He even argued with John McEnroe over the rule, as the American pundit claimed in 2022: “Rafa has got his ritual that takes 30 seconds every time he plays a point. If you’re that great you can get away with it.”

Nadal responded: “I don’t think I’m receiving different treatment at all. I don’t understand why John can say that on the TV, but I am going to have a chat with him later.”

In the end, he was affected by this rule, and perhaps saw additional scrutiny after Federer’s push for harsher enforcement.