'I'm not a huge fan of this surface': Alexander Zverev bemoans court speed shift at Cincinnati Open

Alexander Zverev, once a dominant force on the ATP Tour and former world number two, arrived at the Cincinnati Open with high hopes after a mixed season so far. Fresh from a solid, if ultimately disappointing, run at the Canadian Open, where he reached the semifinals only to fall to Karen Khachanov (losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(4)), Zverev was aiming to regain momentum ahead of the US Open.

However, the German champion’s focus quickly shifted from his own game to the unexpected challenge posed by the courts themselves.

This year, the Cincinnati Open underwent major renovations, with 13 brand-new courts constructed and additional green spaces added throughout the venue. While the facelift has refreshed the tournament's look, it has also dramatically altered the playing conditions, a change that Zverev has openly criticized.

In a candid press conference ahead of his Ohio debut, Zverev did not mince words: "Cincinnati was a very fast tournament in the past, but it's become extremely slow now. I'm not sure what the reason behind this choice is, especially since in New York the courts will be very fast again. I'm not a huge fan of this surface. I just hope to play good tennis and get as far as possible."

Zverev’s comments highlight a growing frustration among players adjusting to the slower hard courts in Cincinnati, which contrasts sharply with the lightning-fast conditions expected at the US Open later this month.

For a player like Zverev, known for his powerful service games and aggressive shot-making, this kind of surface shift can be more than a minor inconvenience. It impacts timing, strategy, and ultimately confidence.

Ahead of the North American hard-court swing, Zverev sought to sharpen his game by training at Toni Nadal’s academy in Manacor for over a week.

This partnership brought hope that some tactical tweaks and renewed confidence might translate into better results. While progress has been uneven, the experience could prove valuable as he faces a packed schedule heading into the US Open.

Despite his misgivings, Zverev began his Cincinnati campaign on a positive note. In the first round, he faced American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, a promising young talent making waves on the tour.

Zverev displayed his experience and skill, navigating the match effectively to secure a straight-sets 6-3 6-3 victory. The win was a necessary confidence booster for Sascha, given his desire to shake off a season plagued by inconsistency.

Looking ahead, Zverev is set to face American rising star Brandon Nakashima in the next round. Nakashima, known for his quick reflexes and aggressive style, will pose a fresh challenge.

Yet, this matchup appears favorable for Zverev, who holds a commanding 4-0 lead in their head-to-head meetings.

Their recent clashes have seen Zverev triumph in some high-profile matches, including a straight-sets win in the Stuttgart Open quarterfinals in June 2025 and a four-set victory at the 2024 US Open round of 16.

Previous meetings at the French Open and the 2020 US Open also saw Zverev come out on top, giving him a psychological edge heading into this round.

Start time (local): Not scheduled yet

Start time (your time): Not scheduled yet

Tournament: Cincinnati Open

Round: Round of 32

This match is a key opportunity for Zverev to prove he can adapt to the slower courts and find his best form ahead of the US Open.

Ultimately, Zverev’s honest remarks about the slower courts at Cincinnati shed light on a subtle but significant challenge that many players face on the tour, how surface changes can impact rhythm, strategy, and results.

For a player with grand ambitions like Zverev, navigating these shifts successfully is crucial. With a solid win over Basavareddy and a strong track record against Nakashima, Zverev has the tools and experience to advance further in Cincinnati.

Whether he can channel his frustration into a strong tournament showing and use it as a springboard to finally break his major drought at the US Open remains to be seen, but fans and critics alike will be watching closely.