Sports · Tennis · 16 hrs ago
Faster Shanghai courts may suit Alcaraz as he seeks first title
Carlos Alcaraz is playing at the Shanghai Masters in China and has never won the tournament.
The hard courts are much faster this year than last year, according to the Court Pace Index.
Alcaraz said he likes the faster surface and changed his approach during his opening-round win over Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Faster courts can help aggressive players by letting the ball move more quickly after it bounces.
Alcaraz has a strong serve and powerful shots, so the change may suit his game.
He recently won his first title since returning from injury, but his wrist is still a concern as he competes again on the ATP Tour.
Jannik Sinner ended his season early, leaving Alcaraz among the leading contenders, but the tournament’s winner is not yet known.
The Shanghai Masters courts are faster this year, a change Carlos Alcaraz says he likes.
The Court Pace Index for the courts is 42.3, up from 32.8 last year and the highest reading in Shanghai since 2017.
Alcaraz said the faster conditions led him to adopt a more aggressive approach in his opening-round win over Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
He has never won the Shanghai Masters and is seeking his first title at the tournament.
Alcaraz arrived in China after claiming his first title since returning from injury, while Jannik Sinner had ended his season early.
- Who
- Carlos Alcaraz, who has never won the Shanghai Masters.
- What
- The courts are faster this year, and Alcaraz is seeking his first title at the tournament.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026; the tournament year is described as “this year.
- Where
- The Shanghai Masters in Shanghai, China.
- Why
- The faster courts suit Alcaraz’s aggressive style, according to the article. The reason for the court-speed change is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The speed of the court is very fast, which I like.
The Court Pace Index was last as high in Shanghai as it is this year, according to the article.
The Shanghai court-speed reading was 32.8.
The Court Pace Index for the Shanghai courts is 42.3, in the medium-fast range.
Alcaraz beat Juan Manuel Cerundolo and said the faster court conditions prompted him to change his approach.
- Court Pace Index this year
- 42.3
- Court Pace Index last year
- 32.8
- Court speed range this year
- Medium-fast
- Opening-round opponent
- Juan Manuel Cerundolo
- Alcaraz’s Shanghai Masters titles
- None
Sources
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