Tennis Random, Random (On Court)

[the Moz]

[Deuce]

I don't see how they can list a specific amount of time for a bathroom break - simply because not all bathrooms, toilets, etc. are located the same distance from the court. This is likely the reason that no set time limit currently exists, and that the time frame is listed only as "reasonable" - meaning a reasonable amount of time relative to the proximity of the toilet to the court.

One of my linesmen friends told me that when a player takes a bathroom break, he/she MUST use the toilet. If the player doesn't use the toilet to do '#1' or '#2', it is a code violation. This is one reason that an official (usually a linesperson when they are being used) goes to the toilet with the player (but doesn't go into the stall with them!). Therefore, a bathroom break is to use the toilet. You can also change clothes or whatever, but peeing or crapping must be done.
I don't know if different tournaments have different rules about this - but I would doubt it.
I remember one time a few years ago at a tournament, I walked into a common men's bathroom, and 10 seconds later, Nicolas Kiefer came running in from one of the courts he was playing on.

Maybe simply having the players wear diapers is the solution...

[the Moz]

Good point on the proximity comment Deuce

Does that mean changeovers have a set time, but the 'reasonable' time span between sets is really determined by when both players decide to come back to court from a toilet break?

[Deuce]

The problem with the word 'reasonable' is that it is entirely relative to and dependent upon what each individual views as reasonable.
Tsitsipas and his father might think that 10 minutes is reasonable. Murray might think that 4 minutes is reasonable. The chair umpire might think that 8 minutes is reasonable. The tournament referee might think that 6 minutes is reasonable... etc....

The only way I can see them placing any sort of set time on it would be to measure the distance between the court and the nearest toilet, and place a time value on every 20 feet or so - as in 'you're permitted 10 seconds for every 20 feet of distance'. Then add a designated amount of time for the period the player is physically in the bathroom...

[Woody]

I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have planned breaks instead. Like, a 10 minute break after the second and fourth sets. If both players agree to resume faster, then they can. That way, no gamesmanship, everyone knows what to expect, you can hit with a partner if you want.

[dmforever]

I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have planned breaks instead. Like, a 10 minute break after the second and fourth sets. If both players agree to resume faster, then they can. That way, no gamesmanship, everyone knows what to expect, you can hit with a partner if you want.

The ATP and WTA should hire you. That's a brilliant idea.

Kevin

[meganfernandez]

I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have planned breaks instead. Like, a 10 minute break after the second and fourth sets. If both players agree to resume faster, then they can. That way, no gamesmanship, everyone knows what to expect, you can hit with a partner if you want.

The ATP and WTA should hire you. That's a brilliant idea.

Kevin

I've thought about the planned break, not only for the players but for fans, too. Gives them more time to leave and return without missing most of a set. They'll still miss some action, but not as much.

Most sports have regular breaks, so it makes sense in that regard. But I can't quite let go of the attrition part of tennis. I know you said the players could agree to resume faster, but the player with momentum will be screwed in many cases, and regardless, it's a moot point because of TV. They need to know how long breaks are. They would not like this as a strong possibility in every match.

This is really up to the players and tournaments to sort this out based on what they need and makes sense. It's a fun topic for fans and media to debate, I guess. Whenever it's Andy mouthing off, at least. If it had been Dan Evans or Pablo Cuevas, no one would have cared. Such a week-one story.

[ponchi101]

Just to remind: Davis Cup matches had a 10 minute break built in after the third set. Everybody was happy about that.

[the Moz]

Woody's idea deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for tennis

[meganfernandez]

Just to remind: Davis Cup matches had a 10 minute break built in after the third set. Everybody was happy about that.

Did or still do? It wasn't optional, though, right?

[ponchi101]

DC now is best of three. I don't know if they have the break after the second set, as I really no longer follow that competition.

[Deuce]

I think Davis Cup had a built-in break just to clean the debris off the court that the fans would throw onto it.

[meganfernandez]

I think Davis Cup had a built-in break just to clean the debris off the court that the fans would throw onto it.

And so fans could tune up their vuvuzelas.

[ti-amie]

[meganfernandez]

A 500 event this time. Nice. All of these have been at Kamau's tennis center. But no player list for a tournament that starts in 2.5 weeks? Is that normal?