There are many, many rules in the Wimbledon handbook, from the players having to wear predominantly white to the banning of selfie sticks and large hats; some of these are known the world over. Others are more subtle rules that only come to attention when they are broken or toyed with, as seems to be happening in this latest quarterfinalthat is currently playing out on the Centre Court between World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and her opponent Laura Siegemund.
In a mid-match tweet, American sports writer and Roger Federer’s biographer Christopher Clarey points out that Siegemund does “stretch the rules when returning” pointing out that on Sabalenka’s serve, her opponent has made her wait multiple times as she gathers herself. Clarey went on to then share what the official Wimbledon rules are with regard to the returner’s pace, stating, “Official rules require a receiver to play “to the reasonable pace of the server”. Sabalenka’s pace is, in my view, reasonable. Chair umpires should enforce this.” The chair umpires, however, have not yet stepped in to alter this pattern.
Laura Siegemund does stretch the rules when returning. Has made Sabalenka wait repeatedly as she organizes and settles herself.
Official rules require a receiver to play “to the reasonable pace of the server”. Sabalenka’s pace is, in my view, reasonable. Chair umpires should… pic.twitter.com/QDxAMKdHgt
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 8, 2025
Clarey concluded his tweet with the official Wimbledon rule itself, which states, “The server shall not serve until the receiver is ready. However, the receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be ready to receive within a reasonable time of the server being ready.” Clearly, Clarey seems to have a different view of what ‘reasonable’ means as compared to the officials!
This is a developing story…
The post Roger Federer’s Confidant Calls Out Wimbledon Umpire As Aryna Sabalenka’s Opponent Breaks Rule appeared first on EssentiallySports.
