Alexander Zverev makes tennis history with first-ever world number one ranking

German tennis star Alexander Zverev is set to reach the summit of men’s tennis for the first time after defeating Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.

The 29-year-old secured a 6-4, 7-5 victory in the round of 16 on Thursday, October 29, guaranteeing his rise to the top of the ATP men’s singles rankings when the new standings are published on Monday, November 2.

The achievement marks a major milestone in Zverev’s career, making him the second German man to become world number one after tennis legend Boris Becker, who first reached the position in 1991.

Zverev’s rise follows an impressive 2026 campaign in which he has won two Grand Slam titles and recorded 64 victories from 80 matches.

Speaking after his victory, the German expressed excitement about reaching the top of the rankings, describing the achievement as a special moment after years of waiting.

The result also confirms that Zverev will replace Italy’s Jannik Sinner at the top of the rankings, ending Sinner’s time as the leading men’s player.

His rise has also been influenced by injuries to major rivals Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have missed significant portions of the season. However, Zverev’s consistency throughout the year has strengthened his position among the sport’s leading players.

The German previously came close to becoming world number one in 2022, but suffered a serious ankle injury during his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal, which forced him to miss the remainder of that season.

Zverev will now turn his attention to the Vienna Open quarter-finals, where he is scheduled to face Britain’s Arthur Fery as he continues his campaign.

His achievement represents a defining moment in his career and places him among the select group of players to have reached the top of men’s professional tennis.