Tennis Has a Problem - Medical Time-outs

Now that the US Open tennis tournament is in full swing and "Coco Mania" is a thing,  many casual observers are watching some or many televised matches, and I suspect some are wondering about the so-called "medical time-out."

Maria Sharapova in a medical time-out

As far as I can determine, this phenomenon is unique to tennis. The usual scenario is that a player indicates to the umpire that a trainer/doctor is needed. When the trainer/doctor arrives he attempts to evaluate the player's physical problem. Many times, I suspect, the problem is mental or emotional. This evaluation process can take as long as the trainer/doctor chooses. It is only after the evaluation is declared complete that the umpire starts to time the treatment--presumably three minutes. And eventually, the match resumes.

This process, I am convinced is absurd and unfair.*

In what other sport, individual or team, is an injured player allowed to stop the action, receive medical treatment and then return? When Tiger Woods broke a bone in his leg, he had to continue to play in a debilitating condition or withdraw from the tournament. A boxer cannot delay a bout because of shoulder pain. A triathlete cannot request a time-out to receive treatment for the blisters on her feet.

In team sports, an injured athlete has to continue to play or be immediately replaced by a substitute. Of course, in the case of baseball, the pace of play is so slow that fans would not even notice a medical time-out.

The most obvious problem with tennis' medical break is that it can be used by a player to break an opponent's momentum. Without mentioning names, there are some players who are notorious for this. When their opponent starts to make a run and turn the match around, the player calls for a trainer/doctor, and complains of a vague injury or is simply seeking a massage with lidocaine. The result is a five to fifteen-minute break which interrupts the match while the opponent who had the momentum has to sit and wait. Gamesmanship such as this should not be allowed.

If a player can't continue to play in the allotted time, that player should forfeit gracefully. If the so-called injury does not preclude playing, the player should be back on the court in the allotted time.

On the other hand, since some matches, especially men's matches, can last four or more hours, players should be allowed to take a bathroom break between sets.

* Although my qualifications to suggest this may be challenged, I am a fan, a player, and a former USTA official, referee, and tournament director.