Tennis World Reacts to “Favoritism” Claims Around Alcaraz and Sinner

The tennis world has been abuzz with debate after prominent figures Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev made comments suggesting that tournament directors might be subtly favoring the sport’s rising stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, by influencing court speeds. These remarks have sparked discussions about competitive integrity and variety on the ATP Tour, prompting a direct response from Sinner himself.

Federer and Zverev Allege Court Speed Manipulation

The controversy gained significant traction when 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer spoke out during an appearance on Andy Roddick’s podcast during the 2025 Laver Cup. Federer suggested that tournament directors consider a “safety net” in making surfaces slower, which he believes benefits players like Alcaraz and Sinner. He explicitly stated, “That’s why tournament directors [like] having Sinner and Alcaraz in the finals, it kind of works for the game”. Federer advocated for more surface variety, arguing that a slower court requires “extra amazing shots” from a lesser-ranked player to defeat a top opponent, whereas a faster court could allow for more upsets.

Echoing Federer’s sentiments, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev further fueled the discussion during the Shanghai Masters. Zverev openly criticized what he perceives as a growing uniformity in court speeds across the tour, specifically pointing to an alleged intentional slowing down of surfaces to benefit Alcaraz and Sinner. “I hate when it’s the same… I know that 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,” Zverev stated after his second-round win in Shanghai. He lamented the loss of surface-specific play, noting, “You couldn’t play the same tennis the same way on the grass court, hard court, and the clay court nowadays you can play almost the same way on every surface”.

Jannik Sinner’s Response: Adaptation, Not Influence

In response to the growing accusations, Jannik Sinner, currently World No. 2, firmly distanced himself and Alcaraz from any suggestion of influencing court conditions. Speaking at the Shanghai Masters, Sinner clarified, “You know, me and Carlos, we don’t make the courts. It’s not our decision. We try to adapt ourself in every situation”.

Sinner emphasized his ability to perform on various surfaces, stating, “I’ve played some great tennis even when it was faster courts. But I’m not making the courts, you know, so I just try to adapt and play my best tennis I can, and that’s it”. He acknowledged that while hard courts can sometimes be similar, there are also small changes, such as the high bounce at Indian Wells, and that players must continually adapt to the conditions presented.

The Impact on the Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry and Tournament Dynamics

The comments by Federer and Zverev highlight a broader discussion within tennis about maintaining diverse playing styles and ensuring fair competition. The rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has undeniably become a major draw for the sport, with the two young stars dominating recent Grand Slams and facing off in multiple major finals. Both players have each won four of the last eight Grand Slams, meeting in three of the four Grand Slam finals this year alone. This level of dominance is seen by many, including Federer himself, as “extraordinary” and “fantastic for the game”.

However, the claims of surface manipulation raise questions about whether this exciting rivalry is being artificially bolstered. Zverev’s frustration suggests that a lack of surface variety could lead to a more predictable tour, diminishing the strategic nuances that different surfaces traditionally demand.

While tournament directors might indeed see a benefit in having the sport’s most popular young rivals consistently reach finals, the accusations of actively adjusting court speeds have stirred debate. Sinner’s pragmatic response underscores a professional athlete’s focus on performance, regardless of external factors or alleged influences. The discussion is likely to continue as players and fans alike weigh the entertainment value of marquee matchups against the desire for uncompromised competitive environments.