Alexander Zverev has clinched the year-end world No. 1 ranking as he continues a career-best 2026 season that has included his first two Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and the US Open.
The German world No. 2 is guaranteed to finish the season atop the ATP rankings, with current No. 1 Jannik Sinner out for the rest of the year with a knee injury. Zverev can overtake Sinner as early as Nov. 2.
“It’s been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true," Zverev said. "So much work and effort have been put into achieving this goal, especially after coming back from the ankle injury [suffered at Roland Garros in 2022]. I look forward to finishing the season in style.”
After he won the second Grand Slam title of both his season and his career at the US Open, defeating Ben Shelton in a four-set final, Zverev reached the quarterfinals in Beijing and is through to the semifinals at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
He officially clinched year-end No. 1 when Carlos Alcaraz lost in the Shanghai third round, following Shelton's defeat at the same stage. If Zverev advances to the Shanghai final by beating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, he will double the point tally of third-place Alcaraz in the 2026 calendar-year race. Sinner is currently second in the race, but will not add any more points this season.
“It’s very, very special. It’s different from winning big tournaments or Grand Slams,” Zverev said in Shanghai after sealing year-end No. 1 honors. “It’s a different sort of feeling. As the World No. 1, you have a responsibility on your shoulders, but I’m looking forward to that.”
He's also looking forward to the day when he can look at the ATP rankings and see himself at the top for the first time: “I think the emotions come when you actually see the No. 1 next to your name,” Zverev said. “I think that will be something special.”
The 29-year-old Zverev will become the 30th No. 1 in ATP history and the oldest first-time year-end No. 1. He will also be the first German man and just the fourth active man to finish a season at No. 1, joining Novak Djokovic (8 times), Alcaraz (2) and Sinner (1).
Watch highlights from Zverev's US Open final victory against Shelton:
