Alexander Zverev has expressed his concerns regarding recent changes in tennis court conditions, suggesting that tournament organizers are intentionally slowing down the surfaces to benefit top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Zverev, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, made these comments following his victory over Valentin Royer at the Shanghai Masters, where he won 6-4, 6-4 on September 30, 2023.
During his on-court interview, Zverev voiced his dissatisfaction with the trend towards uniformity in court speeds. “I hate when it’s the same, to be honest,” he stated. “I think the tournament directors are going towards that direction because, obviously, they want Jannik and Carlos to do well every tournament, and that’s what they prefer.” Zverev emphasized the importance of having variety in the sport, arguing that different playing styles are essential for the evolution of tennis.
Zverev’s remarks come at a time when both Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated the sport, holding the No. 1 ranking since June 2024. They have each secured two Grand Slam titles this year and recently enjoyed success at the China Open and Japan Open, respectively. Notably, Alcaraz is absent from the Shanghai Masters due to a left ankle injury.
In his match against Royer, Zverev encountered a setback when he sustained a toe injury while serving for the match at 5-4. Despite the pain, he managed to finish the match successfully. “I landed funny on my toe, and after that, I could barely do a step, so we’ll see what it is,” he explained. “We will see if I will ever be healthy this year again, because it’s been a struggle, but I’m happy to be through.”
Zverev’s comments highlight a growing debate within the tennis community about the impact of court conditions on player performance and the overall dynamics of the game. As the sport continues to evolve, the balance between maintaining tradition and adapting to new trends remains a critical conversation among players and organizers alike.
