Roger Federer, the great men’s tennis player, recently courted controversy in a live podcast session at the Laver Cup. Addressing a live audience, Federer raised a contentious point that some court surfaces are intentionally being designed to suit the playing abilities of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
And now, ATP No. 3 Alexander Zverev has made that public. Following his easy win over Valentin Royer in the Shanghai Masters Round of 64, Zverev didn’t hold back, criticizing court conditions openly. He aired his frustration, saying the playing surfaces have been intentionally made consistent in speed to favor Sinner and Alcaraz, a charge that has created controversy everywhere in the tennis universe.
Zverev says tournament directors are making court speeds ‘the same’ to favor Sinner & Alcaraz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2025
"I hate when it's the same… I know the tournament directors are going towards that direction because they want Jannik & Carlos to do well every tournament."
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When asked about Zverev’s remarks following his win over Daniel Altmaier, Sinner appeared visibly surprised, hearing the accusation for the first time. His cool, somewhat amused response quickly went viral, resonating with fans for its authenticity and composed delivery.
“You know, me and Carlos, we don’t make the courts. It’s not our decision,” said Sinner.
“We try to adapt ourself in every situation. I feel like still every week is a bit different. I’ve played some great tennis even when it was faster courts. But I’m not making the courts, you know, so I just try to adapt and play my best tennis I can, and that’s it.”
Also Read: China Open: Jannik Sinner wins 21st career title after defeating Learner Tien – Here’s what happened
Jannik Sinner's reaction to Zverev saying tournament directors are making the courts all the same speed to help him & Carlos Alcaraz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2025
"Wow. I don't know what to say on that one to be honest."
He was genuinely baffled. 😭😭😭😭
(via @LinaShokh)
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Even as the argument rages on, it must be said that court surfaces are measured and controlled regularly. The present Court Pace Index (CPI) of the Shanghai Masters happens to be 32.8, which is indicative of both surface and environmental factors. Such figures do differ across the Masters 1000 events, which renders it hard to advocate total uniformity.
Carlos Alcaraz, one of the individuals in the midst of this debate, is absent from the Shanghai tournament as a result of an ankle sprain he picked up at the Japan Open. Sinner, on the other hand, maintains his great season, taking his record to a high 43–5 following the win over Altmaier. He next faces Tallon Griekspoor in the Round of 32.
The Shanghai Masters rolls along on Monday, October 12. For more on the latest from the tennis tour, tune in to Serve On SI for coverage, analysis, and off-court commentary.
