By Emmanuel Buah
German tennis star Alexander Zverev is set to become the new men's world No. 1, marking the biggest individual achievement of his professional career.
The 29-year-old secured the top position after defeating Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor 6–4, 7–5 in the Vienna Open on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Zverev will officially replace Italy's Jannik Sinner when the ATP rankings are updated on Monday, November 2. He will become the 30th player to reach the top of the men's rankings since their introduction in 1973.
A Season That Changed Everything
Zverev's rise to the summit follows an outstanding 2026 campaign.
The German claimed his first two Grand Slam titles this year, winning both the French Open and the US Open. He also reached the Wimbledon final and the Australian Open semi-finals.
His performances across the major tournaments established him as one of the most consistent players on the men's circuit.
According to ATP statistics, Zverev had recorded 64 victories from 80 matches during the season as of his qualification for the Vienna quarter-finals.
From Years of Frustration to the Top of Tennis
For several years, Zverev was regarded as one of the best players yet to reach the very top of the sport.
His progress was overshadowed by the dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, followed by the emergence of younger champions such as Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
His career also suffered a major setback in 2022 when he sustained a serious ankle injury during his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal.
However, Zverev continued to rebuild his game and remained determined to achieve his ambition.
His breakthrough in 2026 has finally delivered the ranking he had pursued for years.
Germany Welcomes Another World No. 1
Zverev will become only the second German man to reach the top of the ATP rankings, following Boris Becker, who achieved the feat in 1991.
He will also become the second-oldest player to reach world No. 1 for the first time, behind Australia's John Newcombe.
Reacting to the achievement, Zverev described reaching the summit as an incredibly special moment after years of hard work and persistence.
Zverev Continues His Vienna Campaign
Despite securing the ranking milestone, Zverev has continued competing at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
He defeated Britain's Arthur Fery 6–0, 6–2 in the quarter-finals on Friday to advance to the semi-finals.
He is scheduled to face Australia's Alex de Minaur as he pursues another tournament title.
With the official ranking change approaching, Zverev's achievement represents a defining moment in a career that has experienced major victories, difficult injuries and years of competition against some of tennis's greatest players.
At 29, the German has finally reached the position he has worked towards for much of his professional career.
Source: ATP Tour, Reuters, Sky Sports and ABC News.
KEY DETAILS
Player: Alexander Zverev
Country: Germany
Age: 29
New ranking: World No. 1
Previous No. 1: Jannik Sinner
Ranking confirmation: Monday, November 2, 2026
Vienna Open opponent: Tallon Griekspoor
Result: 6–4, 7–5
2026 Grand Slam titles: French Open and US Open
Historic distinction: Second German man to become men's world No. 1
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