Alexander Zverev Reaches World No. 1 in Tennis

Alexander Zverev became the ATP World No. 1 for the first time on Monday, 2 November 2026. The 29-year-old German celebrated with the No. 1 trophy at the Paris Masters, where he is the top seed.

How Zverev secured the top ranking

Zverev guaranteed the move to the top by defeating Tallon Griekspoor at the Vienna Open on 29 October. He replaced Jannik Sinner, who had held the position since 13 April. Zverev is the 30th man to reach the top since computerised rankings began in 1973, and the second German man after Boris Becker, who first became No. 1 on 28 January 1991.

His 2026 season included his first two Grand Slam titles, at the French Open and US Open. At 29 years and six months, he is the second-oldest player to reach No. 1 for the first time; John Newcombe was 30 in 1974. Zverev is also guaranteed to finish 2026 as the ATP Year-End No. 1.

Paris Masters campaign

Zverev is scheduled to play Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti on 4 November. He said winning a Grand Slam and achieving No. 1 brought different emotions, describing the ranking achievement as the greatest relief of his career. He noted that the year-end ranking reflects performance across the season.

Important Facts for Exams

• Rolling points window: ATP rankings are recalculated weekly, with tournament points normally removed 52 weeks after they were earned.
• Counted tournaments: A player’s ranking usually totals points from 20 tournaments, or 19 for a player who did not qualify for the ATP Finals.
• Points allocation: Points depend on the tournament round reached and event prestige; the four Grand Slam tournaments award the most.