Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have won the last eight Grand Slam titles. Is that because the pair are heads above their competition or is there another reason behind it?
World No. 3, Alexander Zverev, has his own theories about why Sinner and Alcaraz have been so dominant.
Zverev made an accusation on Saturday that tournaments are slowing down courts to favor the Italian and Spaniard superstars.
He was asked at the Shanghai Masters about the speed of the courts on this year's tour and gave a straightforward answer about why he believes most tournaments are slowing things down.
"I know the tournament directors are going towards that direction because they want Jannik & Carlos to do well every tournament," Zverev said.
Zverev, who fell to Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open Final and to Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open Final, has always been open about his thoughts but this is a direct shot at the success of two of his greatest foes.
The German has yet to win a Grand Slam even in years' past with faster courts. He's known for his powerful serve which could be hindered by a slower surface but he's still had missed opportunities to win a Grand Slam title.
Zverev says tournament directors are making court speeds ‘the same’ to favor Sinner & Alcaraz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2025
"I hate when it's the same… I know the tournament directors are going towards that direction because they want Jannik & Carlos to do well every tournament."
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Even if this accusation is true, it's a bad look on Zverev to be making excuses and taking shots at rivals while searching for that elusive first major trophy.
But if the tournament directors take note and adjust the courts back to favor him, maybe the German will be happy his comments made an impact.
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