Zverev Reaches World No. 1 for the First Time at Vienna Open

Alexander Zverev became the world's top-ranked men's tennis player after defeating Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The 29-year-old German is the 30th player in ATP history to hold the world No. 1 ranking, with the distinction taking effect on November 2. Notably, he completed the win without facing a single break point. At 29, Zverev is also the second-oldest player ever to reach No. 1 for the first time, and former world No. 1 Thomas Muster honoured him in a ceremony in Vienna.

In his press conference, Zverev was candid about rival Jannik Sinner, who is currently injured. "In the first six months of the season, I lost four or five times in a row to Jannik. He was the best player in the world at that moment," Zverev said, adding that fitness and the ability to stay healthy are an "absolute massive part of sport."

Zverev also has his sights on Boris Becker's German record for weeks spent at No. 1. Holding the ranking through the Australian Open would give him 13 weeks — one more than Becker's mark. "One week more than Boris? Very good. Then the win was worth it," he said.

Reflecting on reaching the milestone, Zverev credited his family and described overcoming difficult periods in his career, including a 2022 injury. "I always kept believing. I always kept going," he said. "The way this season has gone is a dream."