Zverev clinches year-end No. 1 ranking after Alcaraz loss and with Sinner out injured

Alexander Zverev secured the year-end No. 1 ranking on Monday, concluding a breakout year marked by his first two Grand Slam titles. The 29-year-old will be the oldest player to claim the honor for the first time, according to the ATP Tour. Currently ranked No. 2, Zverev will surpass his own ranking before the season concludes next month. Zverev will clinch the top spot after Carlos Alcaraz, ranked No. 3, lost to Zizou Bergs in Shanghai.

Zverev's dominance can be traced back to his victories at the French Open and U.S. Open, as well as his appearances in the Australian Open semifinals and Wimbledon final. Before this year, Zverev's best Grand Slam performances were three finals. "Winning in Paris and New York, and knowing I'll finish the year on top of the rankings, is a dream come true," Zverev expressed. He added, "A lot of hard work and effort went into achieving this goal, especially after returning from a severe ankle injury."

Zverev's next match will be against Alexander Bublik in the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner, who hasn't played since July's Wimbledon final, has announced his season-ending retirement due to inflammation in his right knee. In 2024, Zverev previously finished as year-end No. 2.