Alexander Zverev states what he finds simply 'ridiculous' about the conditions at the Canadian Open

Alexander Zverev began the 2025 Canadian Open with a victory under the lights.

The German has endured a tough season in which he has claimed just one title and a coveted Grand Slam remains elusive.

But he is the top seed in Toronto due to the absence of the ATP’s two highest-ranked players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

This was a golden opportunity for Alexander Zverev to have a strong run at a Masters 1000 event, but he was given a tough test right from the start.

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Alexander Zverev explains the difference in court conditions during the day and night in Canada

The Canadian Open is the first tournament for Zverev since losing to Arthur Rinderknech at Wimbledon.

The German commenced his campaign against Adam Walton and the contest began with a tight tiebreaker, which included an exhausting 52-shot rally.

Zverev prevailed both in that point and the second to claim a 7-6, 6-4 win, during which he dropped just three points behind his first serve.

The 28-year-old said he felt comfortable playing at night, compared to during the day where he thinks the court conditions in Canada are significantly different.

“The conditions here are, you know, very different during the day and during the night,” Zverev told reporters post-match.

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“During the day it’s so fast. I mean, it’s ridiculous. In practice I don’t think I’ve had longer than a four-shot rally in the past week.

“But at night it’s playable and it’s comfortable. Of course it was a very important moment, a very important point for me. And, yeah, lucky to get through in the first set and finish it off in two.”

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Who is Alexander Zverev’s next opponent?

Zverev has earned a spot in the round of 32 where he will take on Matteo Arnaldi.

The Italian is the 32nd seed in Toronto and he defeated Tristan Schoolkate in three sets to set up his second match against Zverev.

The three-time Grand Slam runner-up won their first encounter and he aims to raise his game and produce a more solid performance against Arnaldi.

“Sometimes it’s about winning a match, [despite] not always playing your best,” Zverev said about his next opponent. “I know it wasn’t the prettiest match, for sure, but I haven’t played a match in four weeks.

“I took some time off, which I needed also for myself. I’m happy to be playing again. Tomorrow is another day and I hope I will be better tomorrow.”

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