Zverev clinches year-end No. 1 ranking after Alcaraz loss and with Sinner out injured
Alexander Zverev has secured the year-end No. 1 ATP ranking for the first time in his career following a successful season that included two Grand Slam titles. His achievement was finalized after Carlos Alcaraz's loss in Shanghai and Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the remainder of the season due to injury.
Why it matters
This marks a significant milestone in professional tennis, as Zverev becomes the oldest player to achieve a first-time year-end No. 1 ranking, highlighting a shift in the sport's competitive landscape.
Alexander Zverev clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking on Monday (October 12, 2026) to cap a breakout year in which he won his first two Grand Slam titles.
Helped by a season-ending injury to Jannik Sinner, 29-year-old Zverev will become the oldest player to achieve the year-end honor for the first time, the ATP Tour announced.
Zverev is currently No. 2 but will overtake No. 1 Sinner before the season ends next month.
Zverev became assured of finishing No. 1 when No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz was beaten by Zizou Bergs in Shanghai.
Zverev won the French Open and U.S. Open titles this year and also reached the Australian Open semifinals and the Wimbledon final.
Before this year, his best Grand Slam results were three finals.
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