Alexander Zverev says tournament organizers are slowing down tennis courts in support of Carlos Alkaraz and Giannik Sinner.
World No. 3 Zverev overcame the fear of injuries he defeated Valentin Royer 6-4, 6-4 at the Masters in Shanghai on Saturday, but later expressed his dissatisfaction with the way he felt the sport was headed.
“To be honest, I hate the same thing,” Zverev said in an on-court interview. “I think the tournament directors are heading in that direction, obviously because they want Janik and Carlos to do all the tournaments well, that’s what they like.
“Today, you can play almost the same on every surface. I don’t like it. I’m not a fan of it. I think tennis requires a variety of different game styles. Tennis requires a little variety.
Alkaraz and Sinner are the only two players to hold the No. 1 ranking since June 2024. They split the four Grand Slams of the year, both stripping the title victory – the sinner of the China Open at the Japan Open – Alkaraz is losing the Shanghai master due to a left ankle injury.
Zverev had to be treated in court for a toe injury when playing in the match 5-4, but did not stop his progress.
“I landed on my toes and amusing, and then I was able to take a step, so I’ll see what it is,” he said. “We will see if we will be healthy again this year, because it was a struggle.
The PA contributed to this report.