 "Alexander Zverev claims modern surfaces are being tailored to suit Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Reuters/AP")
World No 3 Alexander Zverev courted controversy on Saturday after suggesting tennis tournament directors are manipulating conditions to favour Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-two players who have been dominating Grand Slams in the last two years .
The last eight Majors have been won either by Alcaraz or Sinner and the two have faced each other in the final of the last three Grand Slams. And according to the German tennis star, uniform court speeds that suit the playing styles of the world No 1 and No 2 might have something to do with their domination of the sport – which has denied the legendary Novak Djokovic a record-extending 25th Grand Slam for the last two years.
“I hate that court speeds are the same in all tournaments. I know that the directors of all major events are moving in that direction because they want Jannik and Carlos to perform well and potentially reach the final,” Zverev said after his victory over Valentin Royer in straight sets in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.
‘Tennis needs a little bit of variety’
Zverev criticised the fact that while different tennis surfaces – hard court, grass and clay – used to behave differently and offer their unique challenges in the previous era, they are becoming increasingly similar in the current generation.
“You couldn’t play tennis the same way on a grass court, hard court, and clay court. Nowadays, you can play almost the same way on every surface.
“I don’t like it, I’m not a fan of it. I think tennis needs game styles, tennis needs a little bit of variety, and I think we’re lacking that right now,” the 28-year-old added.
Sinner rejects Zverev’s claim
Sinner, however, rejected Zverev’s claim and insisted neither he not Alcaraz were responsible for preparing the courts.
“Me and Carlos, we don’t make the courts. It’s not our decision,” the Italian said after beating Germany’s Daniel Altmaier in her opening game of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday.
“We try to adapt ourselves in every situation. I feel like every week is still a bit different. I’ve played some great tennis even on faster courts. But I’m not making the courts, so I just try to adapt and play my best tennis, and that’s it,” he added.