Article by David Istrate – published on Saturday, October 04, 2025, 21:19 / Updated on Saturday, October 4, 2025 21:21
After qualifying in the third round in Shanghai, Alexander Zverev (28 years old, 3 ATP) followed the example of the legendary Roger Federer and said that tour directors use the same areas to benefit Carlos Alcaraz (22 years old, 1 ATP) and Jannik Sinner (24 years, 2 ATP).
In the second round in Shanghai, Alexander Zverev defeated 6-4, 6-4 on Valentin Royer (24 years old, 76 ATP) and qualified in the third round, where he will take with Arthur Rinderknech (30 years, 54 ATP).
Alexander Zverev: “I think tennis needs different styles of play, a little variety”
After the match, the German expressed frustration about the fact that the organizers of the circuit tournaments prefer the slower areas.
“I hate when I'm the same, to be honest. I believe that tournaments directors go in that direction because they obviously want Jannik and Carlos to do well at every tournament and that's what they prefer“, Said Zverev, quoted by ESPN.
“Nowadays you can play almost the same on every surface. I don't like it. I'm not a fan. I think tennis needs different styles of play, a little variety and that's now,” he added.
Zverev followed the example of Roger Federer, who, 2 weeks ago, expressed a similar opinion. Here's what the Swiss said with 20 Grand Slam titles in track:
I understand the tournament directors who, based on some instructions, make the surfaces slower. This is how the chances of Sinner and Alcaraz increase in finals. From a point of view, it works for tennis.
In my time, only 12 tournaments really mattered and each played better on their favorite surface. Fully different styles were encountered: the striker against the defender. Now, everyone plays the same, because tournaments have allowed the balls and surfaces to be almost identical from week to week.
It would be interesting to see a Alcaraz – Sinner on a very fast ground and then on a very slow one, to compare the result
– Roger Federer
Jannik Sinner's answer: “I'm not the one who decides the surfaces”
According to Zverev's comment, Jannik Sinner, who defeated 6-3, 6-3 on Daniel Altmaier (27 years, 49 ATP), replied that he or Alcaraz chooses the playing areas and that he aims to play as well as possible on any field.
“Neither Carlos nor I decide the land. It's not our decision but we try to adapt to each situation. I think every week is a little different. I played an excellent tennis on fast fields, but I'm not the one who decides the surfaces. I just try to adapt and play the best tennis possible, that's all, ”said the Italian, quoted by L'Equipe.
In the next round in Shanghai, Sinner will meet Tallon Griekspoor (29, 31 ATP).
