Conditions at the Rolex Shanghai Masters this season are playing slower than usual, which is nothing new on the tennis circuit. Courts have been slowing down for many years now.
Alexander Zverev is among those who has voiced his displeasure over the development. The third-ranked German offered his thoughts following a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Valentin Royer on Saturday.
“I hate when it’s the same, to be honest,” Zverev noted. “I think the tournament directors are going towards that direction because, obviously, they want Jannik (Sinner) and Carlos (Alcaraz) to do well every tournament, and that’s what they prefer.
“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 different game styles, tennis needs a little bit of variety, and I think we’re lacking that right now.”
Sinner was asked about those comments following his 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Daniel Altmaier.
“Wow,” the second-ranked Italian said. “I don’t know how to answer that one, to be honest.
“Me and Carlos, we don’t make the courts. It’s not our decision. 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.”
Sinner is 43-5 this year and 42-1 against opponents other than Alcaraz heading into a Beijing third-round date with Tallon Griekspoor on Sunday. The 22-year-old has captured four Grand Slam titles–two each in the past two seasons. Alcaraz has won the other four dating back to the start of 2024 and recently surpassed Sinner for the No. 1 ranking by winning their head-to-head showdown in the recent U.S. Open final.
thoughts?
Does anyone whine more than AZ?
Tsitsi?
valid
Zverev couldnt beat either of them on the fastest or slowest court.
Probably the slower ones suit him best anyway
No probably about it
Very sour grapes on his part….Sinner and Alcaraz are on a different level to him..