Alexander Zverev will become the men’s world No. 1 for the first time when the next rankings are published on Monday. His 6-4, 7-5 win over Tallon Griekspoor in Vienna on Thursday, which sent him into the Erste Bank Open quarterfinals, confirmed the timing of a move that was already assured by the end of the season.
Zverev said it was an “amazing” feeling to be at the top of the world and described seeing No. 1 next to his name as special. He added that the milestone felt different from winning a tournament or title.
The 29-year-old will replace Jannik Sinner at the top regardless of his remaining results. Sinner announced three weeks ago that he was ending his season because of inflammation in his right knee.
Zverev will become the 30th different man to reach No. 1 and the oldest first-time top-ranked player since John Newcombe, who was 30 when he reached the summit in 1974, the year after the ATP rankings were created.
Sources: ESPN Tennis.