Roger Federer accuses tour chiefs of slowing courts to favor top seeds

Roger Federer has accused tour directors of deliberately slowing court surfaces to favor top seeds like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Swiss legend’s latest broadside targets tournament logistics, raising fresh questions about fairness in elite tennis.

Federer alleged that officials manipulate court speeds to give an edge to seeded players. In a pointed critique, he questioned whether commercial interests are distorting competition. The remarks came amid ongoing debates over player welfare and tournament transparency.

At 45, Federer no longer competes on the ATP Tour, but his influence persists. His criticism carries weight given his 20-time Grand Slam record and decades of experience. The claim also underscores tensions between tradition and modern tournament demands.

Federer’s focus is on top seeds like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Both have risen rapidly in rankings, with Alcaraz holding the world No. 1 spot in 2025. Their success has fueled speculation about preferential treatment in court conditions.

Federer’s comments could spark further scrutiny of tournament operations. Players and officials may face calls for clearer standards on court speeds. The debate adds pressure on governing bodies to address fairness concerns in elite tennis.

Federer’s latest remarks follow his 2022 retirement from professional play. His legacy, however, continues to shape discussions about the sport’s future.