Sinner and Alcaraz favored due to surfaces? Cincinnati director responds

Roger Federer stirred the pot by claiming that certain tournaments intentionally slow down the courts to favor a clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

"I understand the safety net that tournament directors see in making the surface slower. (...) It's good for having Sinner-Alcaraz in the final."

These remarks quickly drew reactions, particularly from Bob Moran, director of the Cincinnati tournament. When questioned by BBC Sport, he denied any manipulation of playing conditions:

"Trying to create something that benefits certain players never crosses our minds, not even close."

Bob Moran, who also oversees the WTA 1000 tournament, asserts that Cincinnati was actually faster than normal last year:

"Players told us it was almost like ice. (...) We were fast, and yet we had Sinner and Alcaraz in the final. What we're really looking for is consistency across the entire American tour. Players want that, not adjusted speeds to create scenarios."