Overview

• After beating Valentin Royer at the Shanghai Masters, Alexander Zverev said directors are standardising and slowing courts to help Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
• The world No 3 argued that players can now compete almost the same way on grass, hard courts and clay, which he believes reduces stylistic variety.
• Roger Federer raised the issue during the Laver Cup, calling for greater diversity in court speeds to strengthen competition.
• Jannik Sinner recently acknowledged limited variation in court pace on tour and said he focuses on adapting to whatever conditions are set.
• No policy changes have been announced by organisers; Sky Sports reported Shanghai’s Court Pace Index has dropped to about 32.9 this year, and the ATP has been asked for comment.