Reporter accuses Rafa Nadal of abusing the clock, getting special treatment

On Tuesday, Rafael Nadal opened up his 2022 US Open campaign by winning a four-set match against Rinky Hijikata, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. Though he dropped the opening set, the 22-time Grand Slam champion came from behind to beat the Australian.

During the match, former professional tennis player John McEnroe, who was commentating the game, criticized Nadal, saying that he doesn’t follow the 25-second serve clock rule. In the post-match press conference, one reporter would not let up on the matter, repeatedly asking Nadal to talk about it. The reporter accused Nadal of not following the rule as well and of getting special treatment by the umpires.

“You have not been following the serve clock rule,” the reporter stated, less as an accusation and more as a matter of fact. “And it seems like the umpires are not enforcing the rule either, in your case. So my question is, do you think it leaves some kind of a shadow to your otherwise excellent legacy? It seems like there are different rules for Rafael Nadal than there are for everybody else.”

In response to that, Nadal laughed out loud and called it a joke.

“I went through a lot of warnings under my tennis career. Never for breaking a racquet, never for doing a mess on court. But, yes, for the time clock,” said Nadal. “I don’t think I have a different treatment from the umpires at all.”

The reporter did not stop there, though. Despite being told that he asked the question and got his answer and should move on, he did not, but Nadal said, “no, no, I am so happy to have the conversation”. With that green light, the reporter continued.

“Just because you are sweating a lot, there should be a different rule for you?” asked the reporter.

That question led to another huge laugh out loud from Nadal. “I never said that. I am following the rules. If I am having more than 25 seconds, I receive a warning every single time. If not, check the clock,” he said.