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Rafael Nadal Congratulates Alexander Zverev on Reaching World No. 1
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Rafael Nadal Congratulates Alexander Zverev on Reaching World No. 1

Alexander Zverev Becomes World Number One

Alexander Zverev has risen to become the 30th player to hold the world number one ranking in men’s tennis since 1973. He secured this top spot after winning against Tallon Griekspoor in Vienna and officially claimed the ranking on Monday, surpassing Jannik Sinner, a five-time Grand Slam champion.

Zverev is now the second-oldest player to reach the world number one position since the rankings began, with only seven-time major winner John Newcombe being older when he first took the lead.

Message from Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal, who mentored Zverev at his academy last year, sent a heartfelt congratulations to him. Nadal wrote on X, "Hey Sascha, many congrats for this amazing achievement. I know how hard you worked to achieve your dreams." The 22-time Grand Slam champion added, "Finally you did it this year – two Grand Slams, now world number one. Many congratulations, super happy for you and all the very best in the future."

Other Tennis Stars Offer Their Congratulations

  • Jannik Sinner: "Huge congrats for an incredible year. Two Grand Slams and now you are number one in the world. The 30th in history, so congrats to you, your family, and the whole team. Enjoy it, and I hope to see you soon."
  • Pete Sampras: "Just want to send you a quick message congratulating you on an incredible year. To get to three straight major finals, win two of them, and finish year-end number one is one of the best years ever. Congratulations on all your success. I've been a big fan ever since you started and watching you break through this year was exciting. You do all the right things and work hard, so congrats to you and your team. Well deserved. Good luck for the rest of the year, and I hope to meet you someday. Awesome year."
  • Jim Courier, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Jimmy Connors, Gustavo Kuerten: Also offered their praises to Zverev for his accomplishments.

Zverev’s 2026 Grand Slam Performance

  • Australian Open: Lost in semifinals to Carlos Alcaraz
  • Roland Garros: Won final against Flavio Cobolli
  • Wimbledon: Lost final to Jannik Sinner
  • US Open: Won final over Ben Shelton

As a two-time major champion, Zverev is preparing for the Paris Masters, his first event as world number one. His draw includes a challenging second-round match against former world number four Lorenzo Musetti, who recently won his third career title in Lyon, France.

Zverev Receives World No. 1 Trophy

At the Paris Masters on Monday, Zverev was awarded the world number one trophy. He shared a personal message on Instagram reflecting on significant dates in his life:

  • 02.11.1984: Our parents got married
  • 02.11.2001: I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
  • 02.11.2009: Our father was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism
  • 02.11.2015: Marcelo Melo became world number one in doubles
  • 02.11.2026: I become World No. 1 in singles

He described it as "One date. A lifetime of emotions."

Zverev is assured to finish 2026 as the top-ranked player worldwide. This achievement will place him ahead of notable former number ones like Pat Rafter, Carlos Moya, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Marcelo Rios, Thomas Muster, John Newcombe, and Juan Carlos Ferrero on the all-time list for weeks spent at number one.

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