Alexander Zverev achieves his biggest career milestone after Alcaraz’s unexpected collapse
Alexander Zverev became the oldest first-time year-end world No. 1 after Carlos Alcaraz lost in Shanghai.
The 2026 tennis season concluded with a dramatic twist, as Belgian player Zizou Bergs unexpectedly upset world-renowned player Carlos Alcaraz during the Shanghai Masters. This surprising loss cut a 7-match winning streak for Alcaraz, who was returning from a wrist injury that had sidelined him for nearly five months. The Shanghai Masters defeat marked the end of Alcaraz's chance to secure the year-end world No. 1 ranking.
In contrast, Alexander Zverev, a 29-year-old German, clinched the coveted position of year-end world No. 1. He achieved this historic milestone after winning both the French Open and US Open titles, becoming the oldest first-time first-place finisher. Zverev also became the first German to lead the men's rankings, a notable achievement for a nation rich in tennis tradition.
Jannik Sinner's retirement due to knee inflammation further opened the door for Zverev's historic achievement. Zverev's journey to this point was not without challenges; he had suffered from a serious right ankle injury during his 2022 French Open semifinal, which derailed his progress for almost two years. Despite these setbacks, Zverev's perseverance and hard work finally paid off in Paris this June, culminating in his first Grand Slam title and the historic position of year-end world No. 1.
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