Lleyton Hewitt has added his voice to those critical of the decision to shorten the time players have between playing points.

Officials have ruled there will now be just a 25 second break, rather than 30 seconds, before penalties are applied.

Czech Tomas Berdych says the rule will make it very difficult for players, especially on hot days like those expected at next week’s Australian Open.

Hewitt said on Thursday that it would shake the concentration needed by players who have had a set routine which they would need to change.

“You were thinking about it in Brisbane and I don’t think that’s a good thing,” Hewitt said.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing for tennis and that’s the issue that I’ve had with it more than anything.

“In a third set tiebreaker players shouldn’t be worrying about that – the game’s hard enough as it is.”

Players who take longer than 25 seconds between points would be handed a warning then, for subsequent breaches, be docked a first serve.

Berdych, who said he inadvertently broke the rule in Chennai last week, believes the regulation will create problems in the Australian Open.

“The hot conditions, it’s almost impossible to make it (in time),” he said.

“I had the experience in Chennai where it was really humid and you need the towel every time you finish a rally.”

Berdych and Hewitt both said the epic Australian Open final last year between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal could not take place with the new rule interrupting the intensity needed.