Roger Federer criticized Rafael Nadal for taking too long between points. Nadal averaged 25 seconds between points in his Wimbledon 2014 match against Lukas Rosol, something Federer wasn't pleased about, according to the Guardian.
When Federer was told Nadal was averaging 25 seconds between points in Thursday's match against Rosol, the Swiss called it "not cool."
"I just think it's important that we, as players, play up to speed because what I don't want is that we lose viewers because we play too slow," Federer said, via the Guardian. "Particularly 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. It just can't be that we only see two points per minute.
"Of course you need to give leeway [after] tough rallies and to somebody who needs a bit more time. I'm fine with that. I watched some matches, I don't remember who it was, but they were playing so slow I was like, OK, I really can't watch it. It's going too slow for me."
Federer criticized Nadal before, and technically he's not wrong. Per Grand Slam rules, players are allowed a maximum of 20 seconds between points. The rule, however, is inconsistently enforced.
Tennis legend John McEnroe is at least one person who doesn't believe slowness between sets is an issue worth addressing.
"I actually don't think there's a problem," he said. "I actually sort of like it when it builds up and if guys want to towel off and they're OK with it, I'm OK with it."
Nadal defeated Rosol in four sets to advance to the third round. The match lasted just over two-and-a-half hours. Federer, meanwhile, hasn't dropped a single set en route to the third round.
Both men play opponents on Saturday.
