Several fans have strongly reacted to Carlos Alcaraz’s recent remarks about the potentially slower courts at the upcoming Paris Masters, beginning October 27. The Spaniard mentioned that this year’s surface feels slower than in past editions, a change he actually welcomes.
However, his comments didn’t sit well with many fans, who recalled earlier statements from legend Roger Federer and World No. 3 Alexander Zverev suggesting that tournaments may be deliberately slowing down courts to benefit players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Fans React to Carlos Alcaraz’s Comments on Slower Courts Weeks After Roger Federer Raised Concerns
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the World No. 1 shared that the courts are slower this year, arguing that this could lead to longer rallies, something that would be great for the fans and is much to his liking.
“Well, I mean, this year is totally different than last year. I think it is a huge difference, which I like it. You know, the speed of the court, yeah, it’s much slower than last year, but I think it is a really good speed that we can see tennis, not only serve or it’s not only serve plus one. So you can see rallies, you can see points, you can see tennis. So I think it’s great,” Alcaraz said.
The comment drew attention, coming shortly after Federer and Zverev implied tournaments intentionally slowed surfaces to favor Alcaraz and Sinner. Speaking on the “Andy Roddick’s Served” podcast last month, Federer expressed concern that the reduced variety of court surfaces on tour negatively impacts the sport.
Several fans reacted to Alcaraz’s comments, with one expressing frustration over the continuous slowing of court speeds.
“All I see constantly are players saying the courts are much slower year after year, before we know it, it’ll all be like clay and the attacking player/flair will be gone. This is a genuine disgrace, might aswell make the 4 slams all clay.. because that’s where we are headed ,” they wrote.
All I see constantly are players saying the courts are much slower year after year, before we know it, it’ll all be like clay and the attacking player/flair will be gone. This is a genuine disgrace, might aswell make the 4 slams all clay.. because that’s where we are headed https://t.co/2Y3u3TO4qB
— thefedexpress (@thefedexpresss) October 25, 2025
In fact, Zverev had echoed Federer’s sentiments during his Shanghai Masters campaign, criticizing the lack of variety in court conditions and accusing the organizers of creating conditions that favored Alcaraz and Sinner. Referring to Zverev by his nickname, one fan wrote:
“So now we know why courts are being slowed down . Sasha please take a note.”
“seriously wtf is going on with this ridiculous tour?!!?? the 2 fasted courts on tour last year was Paris and Shanghai, and they drastically slowed down both courts??? what on earth is going on,” another chimed in.
A user just anticipated Federer’s reaction by sharing a GIF.
Federer: https://t.co/JKltzyUQ2e pic.twitter.com/ccQdTgblsi
— Christian’s Court (@christianscourt) October 25, 2025
“Variety in court speeds is important Carlos, you can’t be playing in the same conditions everytime, adapt to the conditions given to you and win,” a fan said.
A fan joked that Zverev would likely seize on Alcaraz’s remarks about slow courts.
“Zverev’s going to latch onto this and then make a mountain out of a molehill,” they commented.
Notably, during the same tournament last year, Alcaraz had lamented the fast and slippery conditions, admitting he would slow down his play to make the match more engaging for fans.
“I would have played it a little slower, to make it more exciting. Today I felt very good on the court. In these conditions, you have to put in more hours,” he said.
Nonetheless, Alcaraz will aim to capture another Masters 1000 title this season at the Paris Masters, which begins on October 27 at Paris’ La Défense Arena. As the top seed, he received a first-round bye and will begin his campaign in the second round.
