Germany's Alexander Zverev is set to become the world's No. 1 men's tennis player for the first time in his career after defeating Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna on Thursday.
The 29-year-old needed to reach the last eight to overtake Italy's Jannik Sinner at the top of the ATP rankings. Zverev delivered when it mattered, winning in straight sets against the Dutchman to secure the milestone. He will officially take over the top spot when the rankings are updated on Monday, November 2.
"It's been a wait but sometimes you have to wait for the best things in life," Zverev said. "I'm super happy, super thrilled - I have no words for this year."
Zverev will become the 30th man to reach world No. 1 since the ATP rankings were introduced in 1973, joining an exclusive group of players who have reached the summit of men's tennis. The list includes legends such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and his compatriot Boris Becker.
He will also become only the second German man to reach No. 1, following Becker, who first achieved the feat in 1991. The milestone comes 35 years after Becker's breakthrough and marks another significant moment for German men's tennis.
At 29, Zverev is also set to become the second-oldest player to reach the top ranking for the first time. Australia's John Newcombe was 30 when he achieved the feat in 1974.
The achievement caps a remarkable 2026 season for Zverev, who won the French Open and US Open titles and recorded 64 victories in 80 matches. He also secured the year-end No. 1 ranking after Carlos Alcaraz's elimination in Shanghai earlier in October.
Zverev's rise is particularly notable given the dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz in recent seasons. The pair had shared the top ranking since June 2024, but injuries affecting both players opened an opportunity for the German to move ahead.
Zverev acknowledged that he might not be the world's best player if both rivals were fully fit and playing at their highest level. However, his results throughout the season have allowed him to take advantage of the opening and reach the top of the rankings.
His breakthrough also represents a major milestone in a career that has included Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, multiple Masters 1000 titles and years of competing among the world's best. Despite his success, reaching No. 1 had remained one of the biggest achievements missing from his résumé.
Reflecting on the significance of the ranking, Zverev said: "It's different than winning a tournament or a title, but it's such a special feeling to know that the No. 1 is going to be next to your name when the new rankings come out."
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