Alexander Zverev Sparks Court Surface Controversy at Shanghai Masters

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev claimed that tournament directors intentionally make courts slower to benefit players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Speaking after his win at the Shanghai Masters, Zverev said, “I hate when it’s the same. Tournament directors want Jannik and Carlos to do well, and that’s what they prefer.”

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Sinner Responds Calmly

Reacting to Zverev’s comments, Jannik Sinner defended himself and Alcaraz, saying that players have no say in court conditions. “Me and Carlos don’t make the courts. We try to adapt to every situation,” said Sinner, adding that he has played well even on faster surfaces.

Federer Raised the Same Concern

Zverev’s criticism mirrors Roger Federer’s recent remarks. The 20-time Grand Slam champion said there’s a “definite need to change up court surfaces” to bring back variety. Federer also accused organizers of making courts slower, indirectly benefiting baseline-heavy players like Sinner and Alcaraz.

Lack of Variety in Modern Tennis

Zverev lamented that today’s game lacks diversity in playing styles. He pointed out that a decade ago, players had to adjust their game for grass, clay, or hard courts — but now, the conditions feel almost identical. “You can play the same way on every surface,” he said, calling for more variety to keep tennis exciting.

Debate Divides Tennis Community

The remarks from Zverev and Federer have sparked debate in the tennis world. While some agree that standardized courts make the game predictable, others argue that modern surfaces ensure fairness and consistency across tournaments.

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