Rafael Nadal Congratulates Alexander Zverev on Reaching World No. 1 Ranking

Alexander Zverev Claims World No. 1 Spot

Alexander Zverev has joined an elite group as the 30th player to reach the world number one ranking in men's tennis since 1973. He earned this distinction after beating Tallon Griekspoor in Vienna and officially secured the top spot on Monday, surpassing five-time Grand Slam winner Jannik Sinner.

The German star is now the second-oldest player to reach number one since official rankings began, with only John Newcombe, a seven-time major champion, being older when he took the lead in the men’s tour.

Rafael Nadal Offers His Congratulations

Rafael Nadal, who coached Zverev last year at the Rafa Nadal Academy, publicly congratulated him on this milestone. Nadal wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"Hey Sascha, many congrats for this amazing achievement. I know how hard you worked to achieve your dreams.""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 Legends Praise Zverev

Several notable players from both past and present have also acknowledged Zverev's outstanding year. Jannik Sinner said,

"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 whole family and team. Enjoy it, and I hope to see you soon."

Pete Sampras, with 14 Grand Slam titles, shared his thoughts:

"Just want to send you a quick message congratulating you on an incredible year. To reach three straight major finals, win two, and finish year-end number one is one of the best years ever.""Congratulations on all your success. I've been a big fan since you started, and seeing your breakthrough 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 hope to meet you someday. Awesome year."

Other champions like Jim Courier, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Jimmy Connors, and Gustavo Kuerten also sent their regards.

Zverev’s 2026 Grand Slam Performance

• Australian Open: Semi-final loss to Carlos Alcaraz
• Roland Garros: Winner over Flavio Cobolli
• Wimbledon: Runner-up to Jannik Sinner
• US Open: Champion against Ben Shelton

The two-time major champion will compete in the Paris Masters this week, marking his first tournament as world number one. His next opponent is Lorenzo Musetti, a former world No. 4 who recently won his third career title in Lyon, France.

Zverev Receives World No. 1 Trophy

Zverev was honored with the world number one trophy during a ceremony at the Paris Masters on Monday. Afterward, he shared a personal message on Instagram:

"02.11.1984 — Our parents get married.02.11.2001 — I am diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.02.11.2009 — Our father is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.02.11.2015 — Marcelo Melo becomes world number one in doubles.02.11.2026 — I become World No. 1 in singles.One date. A lifetime of emotions."

Zverev is set to finish 2026 as the year-end world number one. This feat places him above Pat Rafter, Carlos Moya, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Marcelo Rios, Thomas Muster, John Newcombe, and Juan Carlos Ferrero in the list of players with the most weeks ranked number one.