The speed of tennis courts is sparking a heated debate—are they really being slowed down to favor stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? Roger Federer recently voiced his concerns that the courts on the ATP Tour have gradually become slower, allegedly tailored to fit the playing styles of rising talents Alcaraz and Sinner. But here's where it gets controversial: tournament organizers are pushing back hard against this claim.
On Andy Roddick's Served podcast, Federer expressed his belief that tournament directors prefer having players like Sinner and Alcaraz reach finals because it benefits the sport. He implied that the court conditions are subtly adjusted to play into their strengths. This notion immediately grabs attention because it raises questions about fairness and the integrity of competition in professional tennis.
However, Bob Moran, the director of the Cincinnati Open, one of the fastest events on the ATP calendar, dismissed Federer’s assertion. Speaking to BBC Sport, Moran insisted that the idea of tweaking court speeds to suit particular players never crosses the mind of those organizing the tournaments. According to Moran, their focus has been on creating a balanced playing field rather than engineering advantages.
"Trying to create something that benefits certain players never goes through our heads—not even close," Moran said firmly. He went on to explain that in his three years managing the Cincinnati Open, players consistently say the courts feel fast, regardless of their playing style. The goal, he emphasized, was to maintain consistent, medium-fast to fast court speeds throughout the North American hardcourt swing—from Washington DC all the way to the US Open—so players know what to expect.
This commitment to consistency is critical for athletes who compete across different surface speeds and conditions, ensuring that no one gains an undue edge. It’s important to highlight that both Sinner and Alcaraz have demonstrated incredible versatility, winning tournaments on various surfaces in 2025, not just slow ones.
Looking ahead, Moran was clear that he has no intention of slowing down the courts. In fact, he teased that Cincinnati’s courts might become even quicker. "We would definitely hear it from players if the courts were too fast or slow," he said. Interestingly, players described last year’s courts as "wicked fast"—almost icy in speed—which suggests that the tournament is among the quickest on the tour. Moran believes the focus should be on producing thrilling points, well-constructed rallies, and exciting matches that fans truly crave.
In one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament, Alcaraz secured the Cincinnati Open title after Sinner had to retire early due to illness, showing just how unpredictable and intense tennis tournaments can be regardless of court speed.
And this is the part most people miss—could it be that these court speed debates mask a deeper question about player adaptability, evolving styles, and what the future of tennis should look like? Are faster or slower courts better for the sport? Does tailoring conditions to star players undermine competition, or is it just part of the game's natural evolution? Let us know what you think—do you agree with Federer, or do you side with the tournament directors? Your perspective matters in this ongoing discussion!
