Alexander Zverev Ends Long Wait to Become World No. 1 After Historic Season

German tennis star Alexander Zverev has finally reached the World No. 1 position in the ATP men's rankings after a remarkable 2026 season, ending years of waiting and criticism over his inability to win a Grand Slam title. The 29-year-old is also guaranteed to finish the year at the top of the rankings.

Zverev's rise follows an outstanding campaign in which he captured two Grand Slam titles. He defeated Flavio Cobolli to win the French Open in June before overcoming Ben Shelton to lift the US Open trophy in September at Flushing Meadows. These victories ended the long-standing perception that he was one of the greatest players never to win a major title.

The German also reached the Wimbledon final, where he lost to Jannik Sinner, and advanced to the Australian Open semifinals. He recorded an impressive 65 wins and 17 defeats during the season.

With this achievement, Zverev became the 30th male player to reach the top of the world rankings and the oldest first-time World No. 1 in more than 50 years. Only John Newcombe, who achieved the milestone at 30 in 1974, was older. Zverev is also the second German man to reach the summit after Boris Becker.

His career achievements include two ATP Finals titles, an Olympic singles gold medal and seven Masters 1000 trophies.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner dropped to second place, while Carlos Alcaraz moved to third. Sinner had held the top position since April 13 but ended his season early because of inflammation in his right knee.

In another significant ranking development, 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar climbed to No. 10 in just 287 days after making his ATP Tour debut, breaking Gustavo Kuerten's previous record of 490 days.

Zverev's achievement comes despite past abuse allegations involving two former girlfriends. One case was resolved through an agreement, while the ATP concluded in January 2023 that there was insufficient evidence in another investigation. The German, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at four, is set to make his first appearance as World No. 1 at the Paris Masters this week.