Zverev ‘on top of the world’ after securing top spot in ATP rankings

VIENNA, Oct 30 — Alexander Zverev has cemented his position as the world's top-ranked tennis player for the first time in his career after defeating Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 7-5 in the Vienna Open. The 29-year-old German player is now set to take the No. 1 ranking in the next week's updated ATP standings following his win over Jannik Sinner, the two-time Grand Slam champion who decided to retire from the season due to a knee injury.

Zverev expressed his excitement about being at the top of the world, stating that it is a unique feeling different from winning a tournament or title. Long considered tennis' nearly-man, Zverev has had a remarkable 2026, winning the French and US Open titles and becoming just the 30th man to achieve the top spot since the rankings were first published in 1973.

He will turn 29 on the day the new rankings are released, making him the second-oldest first-time number one in history, behind Australian John Newcombe.