D'Arcy Maine

Nov 2, 2026, 10:14 AM ET

On Monday, following a breakthrough season, Alexander Zverev became the world No. 1 for the first time in his career.

Zverev is the 30th man in ATP history to reach the milestone since rankings began in 1973. At 29, he is the second-oldest man to make his debut atop the rankings. And, having clinched the year-end top spot as well, he is the fourth active male player -- joining Novak Djokovic , Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner -- to do so, and the first German man.

Taking over the No. 1 position, following a semifinal run at the Vienna Open, was merely a formality. His rise had been determined in October, when Sinner announced he had finished his season because of injury.

"Knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true," Zverev said previously.…