Tennis: Alexander Zverev to replace Jannik Sinner as ATP world number one after beating Tallon Girekspoor in Vienna
German tennis player Alexander Zverev has secured the ATP world number one ranking for the first time in his career. This achievement follows a dominant 2026 season where he won two Grand Slam titles.
Why it matters
Zverev's rise marks a significant shift in men's tennis, breaking the long-standing dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Alexander Zverev is the 30th man to become the ATP world number one
BBC Sport tennis news reporter Published 29 October 2026 Alexander Zverev will replace Jannik Sinner as the men’s world number one at his earliest opportunity after reaching the quarter-finals in Vienna.
He was already guaranteed to finish 2026 as the ATP’s leading player, but made sure he will rise to the summit on Monday with a 6-4 7-5 win over Tallon Griekspoor at the Erste Bank Open.
Zverev, 29, is the second German to reach the pinnacle of the men's tour after Boris Becker in 1991.
The achievement is a testament to his body of work this year, having won two Grand Slam titles and 64 of his 80 matches.
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