Carlos Alcaraz Seeks Change After Laver Cup Court Conditions Spark Concerns

Carlos Alcaraz played a key role in Team Europe’s victory over Team World at the Laver Cup in London. He ended the event undefeated, securing a doubles win alongside Jakub Mensik against Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz, and later defeating Fritz in singles. Although he was scheduled to face Alex de Minaur on the final day, Alexander Zverev clinched the title early for Europe.

Players Voice Concerns Over Court Speed

Following the triumph, both Mensik and Alcaraz spoke at a press conference addressing the court conditions. The matches took place indoors at the O2 Arena on hard courts that offered no ranking points but did count towards head-to-head records.

The duo was asked about the court’s slow pace and whether indoor tennis encouraged a more aggressive style of play.

• Jakub Mensik: "The courts felt very slow, probably the slowest hard surface I’ve encountered this year. It was hard to find my rhythm, especially since my game depends heavily on serve and strong groundstrokes. Finishing points was more challenging. The balls also seemed subpar, contributing to the slowness."
• Carlos Alcaraz: "I don’t mind slow courts, given my serve isn’t the biggest. Talking with Yannick [Noah] and the team, we noticed tennis has changed over the years—the courts used to be faster. Now it’s slower, but I believe the main issue is the balls. They behave differently across tournaments; new balls bounce bigger, altering the game early on. My request is simple: officials should ensure the balls best suit the courts and events. That would make a big difference. Until then, I’m adapting as best as I can."

Looking Ahead: Alcaraz Prepares for Japan Open

Whether tournament organizers will act on Alcaraz’s suggestion remains uncertain, but his concerns echo those of many top players who struggle to adjust quickly amid a packed ATP calendar. Transitioning between surfaces and balls with little downtime is a challenge few handle better than Alcaraz.

Next up for him is the Japan Open in Tokyo, where he returns as the reigning champion. Though fond of the Laver Cup, his focus shifts back to intense competition on the tour.