Roger Federer has raised concerns about the current state of tennis courts, suggesting that tournament directors are deliberately slowing down surfaces. The Swiss legend believes this trend is shaping the way matches unfold at the highest level.
Impact on players’ styles
According to Federer, slower courts change the dynamics of competition, particularly when facing players like Jannik Sinner. “I understand the tournament directors who, based on their instructions, try to make the courts slower,” he said, pointing out that this favors certain styles of play.
The challenge of beating Sinner
Federer explained that slower conditions make it harder for opponents to overcome Sinner’s consistency. “This benefits those who need to hit extraordinary winners to beat Sinner, because, if the court is fast, they might only need a couple of well-timed shots to win.”
The appeal of marquee finals
He went further, suggesting that organizers may prefer to engineer conditions that increase the likelihood of high-profile clashes. “Tournament directors think: ‘I’d rather have Sinner and Alcaraz in the final, you know?’ In a way, it works for tennis.”
A debate for the sport’s future
Federer’s remarks have sparked discussion about whether uniform, slower courts are limiting stylistic variety in tennis. With Alcaraz and Sinner dominating the men’s game, the balance between commercial appeal and sporting fairness is once again at the center of debate.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Currently ranked no.2, Sinner played his last match on the 7th of September when he capitulated to world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 in the final of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season the Italian has managed to achieve a compiled 37-5 win-loss record. Sinner clinched 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The Italian was the runner-up in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters). The main draw will start on the 1st of October.
ATP U.S. Open - Jannik Sinner's projected path
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 21st of September when he defeated world no.21 Francisco Cerundolo 6-2 6-1 in the round robin in the Laver Cup (draw).
This season the Spaniard achieved a 62-7 win-loss record. Alcaraz conquered 7 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. The Spaniard reached the final in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz clashed against each other 16 times. Their current head to head is 11-5 for Alcaraz.