Jannik Sinner fires back at Alexander Zverev over Carlos Alcaraz conspiracy theory
Jannik Sinner has responded to Alexander Zverev's accusations of favouritism at the Shanghai Masters, with the Italian cruising through to the last-32 on Saturday
Italian ace Jannik Sinner didn't hold back when addressing allegations leveled by Alexander Zverev at the Shanghai Masters. Coming off his first championship since Wimbledon, Sinner breezed into the round of 32 in Shanghai with an effortless straight-sets victory over Daniel Altmaier on Saturday.
This followed a commanding performance at the China Open, where Sinner lost only two sets across his five matches on his way to claiming the trophy. The world No. 1 didn't face competition from his main challenger for the crown, as Carlos Alcaraz was instead participating in the Japan Open.
Nevertheless, third-ranked Zverev unleashed a blistering critique of tournament officials for showing preferential treatment toward the two powerhouses of men's tennis.
When asked about his rival's remarks, Sinner responded by stating: "You know, me and Carlos, we don't make the courts. It's not our decision. 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's complaints had centered on court velocity, with the German claiming surfaces had been deliberately slowed down to benefit the sport's top two competitors. Following his victory against Valentin Royer, Zverev declared: "I hate when it's the same, to be honest.
"I think 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. Nowadays, you can play almost the same way on every surface. I don't like it, I'm not a fan of it. I think tennis needs different game styles, tennis needs a little bit of variety and I think we're lacking that right now."
Despite this, Sinner appeared sharp in his opening match, with a strong showing in Shanghai anticipated to follow.
Reflecting on his current condition, he commented: "First match is never easy, especially when you don't have a lot of time to adjust.
"[Altmaier] is a very tough player, very talented... I just tried to stay mentally in a good point. When I broke him twice very early in the set it gave me the confidence to serve the match out, so I'm very happy."
His quest for the Masters crown will resume on Sunday when he faces off against Tallon Griekspoor.