Alexander Zverev, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, is raising eyebrows with his recent remarks regarding the state of modern tennis. After his match at the Shanghai Masters, where he secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Valentin Royer, Zverev expressed concerns that tournament organizers are deliberately slowing down the courts to benefit rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
During his post-match interview, Zverev did not hold back, stating, “I hate when it’s the same, to be honest. 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.” His comments suggest that he believes the uniformity in playing conditions across different surfaces is diminishing the variety that is crucial for the sport.
Zverev’s apprehensions come in light of the dominance exhibited by Alcaraz and Sinner, who have alternated at the top of the ATP rankings since June 2024. The two young talents have showcased their prowess by sharing the spoils of the Grand Slam titles this year, each winning two out of the four available. While Alcaraz recently triumphed at the Japan Open, he is currently sidelined at Shanghai due to a left ankle injury. Conversely, Sinner claimed victory at the China Open, further highlighting the competitive edge the duo maintains.
In his match against Royer, Zverev encountered a scare when he twisted his toe while serving for the match, leading to on-court treatment. Reflecting on the incident, he mentioned, “I landed funny on my toe, and after that, I could barely do a step, so we’ll see what it is. 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.”
As the ATP tour progresses, Zverev’s comments might resonate with other players who share his desire for greater diversity in playing styles and conditions. The future of tennis, especially in terms of court surfaces and play, seems to be a topic of growing significance in the sport as it evolves.
