Alexander Zverev has become the 30th player to achieve the world number ranking on the men’s tour since 1973.
Zverev snagged the top spot after defeating Tallon Griekspoor in Vienna and officially achieved the ranking on Monday, overtaking five-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner.
The German has become the second-oldest player to rise to world number one since rankings were first officially recorded in 1973. Only John Newcombe, a seven-time major singles champion, was older when he assumed the top position on the men’s circuit.
Rafael Nadal, who mentored Zverev at the Rafa Nadal Academy last year, has now congratulated Zverev on his historic achievement.
Rafael Nadal’s message to Alexander Zverev
“Hey Sascha, many congrats for this amazing achievement. I know how hard you worked to achieve your dreams,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion stated in an message published by the ATP on X.
How long do you think Alexander Zverev keeps the number one ranking?
He is now guaranteed to be year end number one after Carlos Alcaraz’s shock loss in Shanghai…
“Finally you did it this year – two Grand Slams, now world number one. Many congratulations, super happy for you and all the very best in the future.”
A variety of other tennis stars – from the past and present – have also congratulated Zverev on his accomplishment.
“Huge congrats for an incredible year,” Jannik Sinner said. “Two Grand Slams and now you are number one in the world.
“The 30th in the history, so congrats to you, to your whole family and the whole team. Enjoy it, and I hope to see you very soon.
Pete Sampras, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, also sent his well wishes to the German superstar.
“Just want to send you a quick message congratulating you on an incredible year. To get to three straight major finals, to win two of them, to finish year-end number one, is one of the best years ever,” the American said.
“Congratulations on all your success. I’ve been a big fan of yours ever since you started. Just see you improve it each year. But to see you really, really break through this year was exciting to watch, you deserve it. You do all the right things, work hard, so I just want to congratulate you and your team.
“Well deserved, good luck for the rest of the year and hope to meet you at some point down the road, but man, awesome year.”
Jim Courier, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Jimmy Connors and Gustavo Kuerten also congratulated Zverev on his achievement.
Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam results in 2026
- Australian Open – lost in the semi-finals to Carlos Alcaraz
- Roland Garros – defeated Flavio Cobolli in the final
- Wimbledon – lost to Jannik Sinner in the final
- US Open – defeated Ben Shelton in the final
Zverev, a two-time major champion, is set to compete in the Paris Masters this week – his first tournament as the world number one.
The German has been handed a tough draw; he will face former world number four Lorenzo Musetti in the second round.
Musetti has been in great form of late, recently capturing his third career title in Lyon, France.
Alexander Zverev reacts to receiving the world number one trophy
Zverev was presented with the world number one trophy in a ceremony at the Paris Masters on Monday.
Following the ceremony, Zverev posted the following message on Instagram.
“02.11.1984 — Our parents get married,” he stated.
“02.11.2001 — I am diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“02.11.2009 — Our father is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.
“02.11.2015 — Marcelo Melo becomes world number one in doubles.
“02.11.2026 — I become World No. 1 in singles.”
“One date. A lifetime of emotions.”
Zverev is already guaranteed to end 2026 as the world number one. As a result, the German is set to overtake Pat Rafter, Carlos Moya, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Marcelo Rios, Thomas Muster John Newcombe and Juan Carlos Ferrero on the list of all-time weeks as the world number one.
