Tennis authorities ‘favouring Sinner, Alcaraz’, says Alexander Zverev, echoing Federer
Matching comments made by the 20-time grand slam winner, German says court surfaces in tournaments give an advantage to the top players
Alexander Zverev on Saturday accused tennis authorities of favouring top-ranked rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in their choice of court surfaces, echoing criticisms made by Roger Federer.
Some in tennis have charged that court surfaces in tournaments have become too standardised and generally slower, which could give an advantage to certain players.
Asked his opinion after his straight-sets victory over Valentin Royer at the Shanghai Masters, Zverev was unequivocal.
“I hate when it’s the same,” said the 28-year-old German, who is ranked third in the world, behind Alcaraz and Sinner.
“I know the tournament directors are going towards that direction because obviously they want Jannik and Carlos to do well at every tournament, and that’s what they prefer.”
His comments match those made by Federer on the sidelines of the Laver Cup last month.