Rafa Nadal at the battle of the benches

Harsh times looming ahead for Rafa Nadal. After the Blue clay incident, the freaky exit at Wimbledon, and a serious injury occurred while fishing, the enigmatic Spaniard suddenly finds himself challenged in what is probably one of his last undefeated bastion and the very secret behind his invincible strenght: his legendary routines!

A belligeran US Team led by Jim Courier appear very determined to challenge one of the most important of the Nadal's "scaramantichi" rituals: getting off the bench always after his opponent at the changing ends. "I will not let my players leave the bench before Nadal" says Courier in a slightly threatening mode.

So what next? Are we going to see players involved in unnerving psycological struggles, prepared to stay glued to their benches even for several minutes to pursue this objective, with a real risk of being handled multiple penalty points by frustrated umpires, or will anybody, in the end, give up his chair and unwillingly get off the bench first, knowing very well this fact could probably cost him the match?

Umpire will leave his bench forfeiting the match, his fee and career. coz thats the only option he will be left out with.

There must be a limit (or maybe not .... ) to how many ways this can be spun, as already illustrated by 82 contributions prompted by the article that first ran the story around a week or so ago ....
https://www.606v2.com/t32514-nobody-knows-how-to-beat-nadal

The word 'scaramantic' at least adds a new, and mildly intriguing, feature : is it considered part of the English language ...?

I am still so looking forward for a constructive article of yours Lags, or should I call you Yummymummy in disguise?

Poll now included

Very interesting what would happen if Nadals opponent didnt leave the bench until Nadal did, what I hope is being implemented is the seat-zapper: a nice current of electricity flowing through the veins of the players chair.

Very good point the electricity JM, but considering where the match is played, I personally have no doubt it would be a one bench traffic, should this be implemented......