Alexander Zverev reaches ATP world number one as second-oldest player in history

Alexander Zverev Reaches World Number One at Rolex Paris Masters

Alexander Zverev received the ATP world number one trophy during a ceremony on the opening day of the Rolex Paris Masters in France, marking the first time the German player has claimed the top spot in the ATP rankings.

The Association of Tennis Professionals released its updated rankings on Monday, November 2, confirming Zverev’s ascent to the summit of men’s professional tennis. Tournament director Cédric Pioline and ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi joined the ceremony on the indoor hard courts in Paris to present the trophy.

Alexander Zverev officially crowned World No. 1 lifting ATP trophy in Paris｜Tennis

Climbing Past Historic Milestones at Age 29

At 29 years, 6 months, and 13 days old, Zverev achieved the second-oldest ascent to the world number one ranking in ATP history. Australia’s John Newcombe set the oldest record when he reached the top spot at age 30 in June 1974. Zverev surpassed Andy Murray’s previous mark by 19 days; Murray was 29 years, 5 months, and 23 days old when he claimed the ranking in November 2016.

Zverev began the current season ranked third in the world, dipping briefly to fourth place for six weeks between February and March. He climbed to second in July after finishing as the runner-up at Wimbledon in London on grass courts while Carlos Alcaraz was sidelined. His year-end number one status became certain when Jannik Sinner announced the end of his 2026 season due to a knee injury.

Alexander Zverev is the 30th player to reach World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings 🤩

Overcoming a Severe Ankle Injury and Rebuilding Form

The milestone follows a grueling recovery from a severe injury sustained in June 2022. At age 25, Zverev stood just 875 points behind Daniil Medvedev before sustaining a major ankle injury during a French Open semifinal against Rafael Nadal on the clay courts of Paris.

The subsequent long layoff dropped Zverev down to 27th in the rankings, forcing a slow and difficult climb back to the elite tier of the sport. Across 18 appearances in 2026—excluding Davis Cup and Laver Cup action—he compiled a 62-16 match record. That campaign was highlighted by his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June, followed by a second major crown at the US Open on the hard courts of New York.