Holger Rune has joined Carlos Alcaraz in criticizing the ATP for its shot clock system. The Dane called the rule a 'joke' and explained how the situation has become stressful for the players.Rune is currently competing at the 2024 Japan Open where he is seeded sixth. The Dane has displayed some incredible tennis so far, having ousted Alejandro Tabilo and Yoshihito Nishioka in the first two rounds.The 21-year-old faced another home favorite in veteran Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals. He had to dig deep in order to come back from a set down and also save a match point to win 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 and clinch a spot in the final four.During his post-match interview, Holger Rune directed criticism at the ATP over the shot clock system, which gives the server 25 seconds to serve. Failing to comply with the time limit leads to a violation.Rune called the rule a 'joke' and mentioned how players were getting a time violation, possibly alluding to Carlos Alcaraz's dispute with the chair umpire following a time violation during his first-round win at the China Open. He later pointed out how he had to run even between the points and had no time to do his routine.The Dane then said that if he finished a point with a volley on top of the net, he only had 19 seconds to prepare himself for the next serve."Yeah to be honest, this new time rule is a joke like, we players have no time. I’ve seen other players getting time violation. It’s super stressful like, basically if you finish a volley on top of the net, you have like basically 19 seconds to get back," Holger Rune said.He reiterated how it was stressful complying with the shot clock system, and said that he is trying his best to avoid a violation regardless since he doesn't want to feel sorry for himself."So, it’s super stressful but I'm’ just trying to deal with it as good as possible. I can’t feel sorry for myself, i just need to find a way and accept that that’s a rule, so move on."Holger Rune to face Arthur Fils in the semifinals of the Japan Open, Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals of the China OpenHolger Rune (Source: Getty)Holger Rune will face Arthur Fils in the semifinals of the Japan Open in what will be the third meeting between the two talented youngsters. Both players have won a match each against the other. Fils has been in scintillating form, having taken out top seed Taylor Fritz, Matteo Berrettini, and defending champion Ben Shelton.The winner of their match will play the winner of Tomas Machac and Ugo Humbert in the final.On the other hand, second seed Carlos Alcaraz will face seventh seed Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals of the China Open. Alcaraz boasts a 3-0 lead against Khachanov in their head-to-head.The Spaniard has scored dominant wins over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Tallon Griekspoor. The Russian, meanwhile, has defeated Roberto Carballes Baena and Francisco Cerundolo.The winner of their match will play either Flavio Cobolli or third-seed Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals.