Jannik Sinner Hits Back at Alexander Zverev’s Favoritism Accusations at Shanghai Masters
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner responded firmly to Alexander Zverev’s claims that tournament directors are deliberately slowing down courts to favor him and Carlos Alcaraz, emphasizing that he and Alcaraz have no control over surface conditions. The exchange unfolded during the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters on October 4, following Zverev’s second-round win over Valentin Royer (6-4, 6-4) and Sinner’s straight-sets victory against Daniel Altmaier (6-3, 6-3), reigniting debates on court homogenization sparked by Roger Federer at the Laver Cup.
Zverev’s Accusations: Favoritism for Top Stars
Zverev, the world No. 3, criticized the trend of uniform court speeds across the tour, claiming organizers prefer slower conditions to boost Sinner and Alcaraz’s success. In an on-court interview after his match, he stated: “I hate when it’s the same… 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.” He argued that this reduces variety in playing styles, making surfaces feel similar regardless of event, and echoed Federer’s view that faster courts would challenge the top two’s adaptability. Shanghai’s court pace index (CPI) dropped from 42.4 in 2024 to 32.8 this year, placing it among the slowest Masters 1000 hard courts.
Zverev, who has yet to win a major despite seven Masters 1000 titles, lamented the loss of surface diversity that once favored varied game styles.
#### Sinner’s Response: “We Don’t Make the Courts”
Sinner, the defending Shanghai champion and second seed, addressed the controversy in his post-match press conference after beating Altmaier. He dismissed Zverev’s favoritism narrative, saying: “You know, me and Carlos, we don’t make the courts. It’s not our decision. We try to adapt to every situation.” He added that courts still vary week to week and that he’s succeeded on faster surfaces too, maintaining focus on his game amid the “noise.” Sinner, on a 40-5 season record (21-2 on hard courts), faces Tallon Griekspoor next (6-0 head-to-head), eyeing his first Shanghai defense since 2023.
Broader Debate: Court Speeds and Variety
Zverev’s remarks align with Federer’s Laver Cup comments that slower courts enable Sinner and Alcaraz to dominate across surfaces, reducing stylistic diversity. Alcaraz withdrew from Shanghai with an ankle injury, amplifying the irony. Fan reactions on X were mixed, with some calling Zverev “desperate” for excuses and others supporting calls for faster, varied courts.
Zverev advances to face Alexei Popyrin, while the controversy underscores ongoing ATP discussions on surface integrity amid rising injury concerns. Sinner’s rebuttal keeps the focus on performance, positioning him as a measured voice in tennis’s evolving landscape.
