Zverev Accuses ATP of Favoring Alcaraz, Sinner with Court Design
SHANGHAI – World No. 3 Alexander Zverev has publicly accused tennis authorities of tailoring court surfaces to benefit top-ranked players Carlos Alcaraz (No. 1) and Jannik Sinner (No. 2). The German made the claims after winning his second-round match at the Shanghai Masters 1000 tournament against Valentin Royer 6-4,6-4.
zverev alleges a growing trend toward slower court speeds, which he believes advantages the playing styles of Alcaraz and sinner. “I hate when the courts look like [this],” Zverev stated. “I know that tournament directors are going in that direction because they obviously want Jannik and Carlos to do well in each tournament.”
The debate over court surface homogenization has been gaining traction within the tennis world. Critics argue that the increasing uniformity diminishes strategic variety and favors specific playing styles. Zverev noted a significant shift over the past decade, stating, “Before, you could not play the same tennis in the same way on a grass court, hard or clay. You can currently play almost in the same way on each surface.” He added, “I am not a fan of it, I think that tennis needs different game styles, a little variety and this is something we are currently missing.”
The issue was previously raised at the Laver Cup last month, where Roger Federer advocated for maintaining diverse court surfaces to enhance competition.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner downplayed Zverev’s accusations.Sinner stated, “Neither Carlos nor I do the courts.It is indeed not our decision. We try to adapt to each situation and I feel that every week is a bit different.” He also asserted, “I have played great tennis on faster courts.”