Alcaraz loss in Shanghai confirms Zverev as end-of-year tennis world number one

Zverev, the world number two, was already on course to reach the top of the ATP rankings for the first time, as world number one Jannik Sinner is out injured.

Carlos Alcaraz's defeat by Zizou Bergs leaves the world number three too far behind to overtake Zverev, who will officially become world number one on 2 November.

“It's been a fantastic season for me,” said Zverev, who won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open in Paris in June.

A month later, he reached his first Wimbledon final but lost to Sinner in four sets.

In September, he beat home favourite Ben Shelton in four sets in New York to win the US Open for the first time.

Winner of 26 titles
The German, who has won 26 titles since turning professional in 2013, will be the 30th man to top the rankings since they were computerised in August 1973.

He will be the 20th to finish the year as number one.

“With victories in Paris and New York, and knowing that I'll finish the year at the top of the rankings is a real dream come true,” Zverev told the ATP website.

He is not the first German man to reach number one, a feat Boris Becker achieved in January 1991. But he will be the first German to finish the year in top spot, and the oldest player to finish a year as number one for the first time.

Humbert's loss to Zverev leaves Monfils as sole French player at Australian Open

An ankle injury in the semi-finals of the 2022 French Open kept him out for seven months, but Zverev fought his way back to the top of the sport. The 29-year-old has been in the top four continuously since March 2024.

“So much work and effort have been put into achieving this goal, especially after coming back from the ankle injury,” Zverev added. “I look forward to finishing the season in style.”

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Finishing the season as year-end number one is the ultimate achievement in our sport. Congratulations to Alex.

“For a decade, he has consistently been one of the best players in the world. To finish as year-end number one for the first time aged 29 shows his grit and determination to continue pushing forward.”