Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

“Not Our Decision” – Jannik Sinner Responds to Alexander Zverev’s Federer-Inspired Court Bias Theory on Him and Carlos Alcaraz

Sinner downplays Zverev’s accusation that Federer’s comments led to court favoritism.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Jannik Sinner has broken his silence following Alexander Zverev’s accusation that he and Carlos Alcaraz are being favored by tournament organizers through court conditions. Speaking after his second-round win at the Shanghai Masters, Sinner dismissed the suggestion, which stemmed from comments Roger Federer made during the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast at the Laver Cup.

Jannik Sinner's reaction to Zverev saying tournament directors are making the courts all the same speed to help him & Carlos Alcaraz

"Wow. I don't know what to say on that one to be honest."

He was genuinely baffled. 😭😭😭😭

(via @LinaShokh)

pic.twitter.com/zhEkZlUcRn
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2025

Sinner’s Calm Response to Zverev’s Accusation

Zverev had stirred the debate after his win over Valentin Royer, expressing frustration with what he saw as homogenized court speeds across tournaments. “I hate when it’s the same,” the world No. 3 said. “It’s going toward that direction because obviously they want Jannik and Carlos to do well at every tournament.”

When asked about Zverev’s remarks, Sinner remained composed and firm in his reply. “You know, me and Carlos, we don’t make the courts. It’s not our decision,” he said. “We try to adapt ourself in every situation. I feel like still every week is a bit different. 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.”

Zverev says tournament directors are making court speeds ‘the same’ to favor Sinner & Alcaraz

"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."

pic.twitter.com/2n1wwgoWc4
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2025

The Italian’s response quickly gained traction online after video clips showed his surprised reaction upon first hearing Zverev’s comments following his win against Daniel Altmaier. Fans and analysts were quick to note that surface-speed data doesn’t support the claim that all tournaments are being played under similar conditions. From slower hard courts in Shanghai to faster ones in Cincinnati, variety remains a key feature of the ATP calendar.

Federer’s Comment and the Ripple Effect

The controversy traces back to Roger Federer’s observation during the Laver Cup, where he remarked that recent events seemed to feature “similar” court speeds, suggesting this trend might suit aggressive baseliners like Sinner and Alcaraz. While Federer’s tone appeared analytical rather than accusatory, his words sparked a conversation that has since snowballed through locker rooms and media outlets.

🎙️🇨🇭Roger Federer not a fan of slowed down courts on tour:

"That's why we, the tournament directors, we need to fix it. We need to have not only fast courts, but what we would want to see is Alcraz or Sinner figure it out on lightning fast and then have the same match on super… pic.twitter.com/OvEMOq7jrO
— Tennis Masterr (@tennismasterr) September 22, 2025

Federer’s insight, interpreted differently by players and fans, gave rise to Zverev’s stronger claim that organizers are intentionally tailoring courts for certain stars. Yet there is little evidence to support the idea of favoritism. Tournament conditions are influenced by logistics, climate, and surface maintenance, factors beyond player control.

As the debate continues, Sinner’s approach serves as a reminder of his grounded mentality amid noise. Instead of joining the narrative, the 23-year-old Italian has chosen to let his tennis do the talking. “I just try to adapt and play my best tennis,” he said, a statement that captures both his composure and quiet defiance.

Mandatory Image Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Alexander Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz

Court Bias Debate

Jannik Sinner

Roger Federer

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.