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From Ilie Nastase to Alexander Zverev: The History of ATP World Number Ones

Alexander Zverev is on the verge of reaching the top ATP ranking for the first time in his career. The German star, who clinched two Grand Slam titles this year, is set to finish the 2026 season as world number one.

Zverev’s path to the number one spot will be secured if he advances to the quarter-finals of the Vienna Open. He started strong in the tournament by defeating Martin Landaluce in a tight three-set match, meaning just one more win stands between him and the top ranking.

The First Official ATP World Number One: Ilie Nastase

Before Zverev, the very first player to officially hold the ATP world number one position was Ilie Nastase, who claimed the spot on August 23, 1973. Nastase, a Romanian tennis legend, won seven Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles throughout his career.

Nastase reached the summit after an impressive stretch that included winning the 1972 US Open, the 1973 French Open, and back-to-back Tour Finals titles in 1971 and 1972. He maintained the number one ranking for 40 weeks before losing it to seven-time major winner John Newcombe.

Duration at World Number One

With 40 weeks atop the rankings, Nastase ranks 17th for longest time spent as world number one since the ATP rankings began in 1973.

ATP Players Who Have Held Number One Spot

Since Nastase and Newcombe, 27 other players have reached number one. When Zverev claims the top spot later this year, he will become the 30th player to do so.

  • Novak Djokovic: 428 weeks
  • Roger Federer: 310 weeks
  • Pete Sampras: 286 weeks
  • Ivan Lendl: 270 weeks
  • Jimmy Connors: 268 weeks
  • Rafael Nadal: 209 weeks
  • John McEnroe: 170 weeks
  • Björn Borg: 109 weeks
  • Andre Agassi: 101 weeks
  • Jannik Sinner: 95 weeks
  • Lleyton Hewitt: 80 weeks
  • Stefan Edberg: 72 weeks
  • Carlos Alcaraz: 66 weeks
  • Jim Courier: 58 weeks
  • Gustavo Kuerten: 43 weeks
  • Andy Murray: 41 weeks
  • Ilie Năstase: 40 weeks
  • Mats Wilander: 20 weeks
  • Daniil Medvedev: 16 weeks
  • Andy Roddick: 13 weeks
  • Boris Becker: 12 weeks
  • Marat Safin: 9 weeks
  • John Newcombe: 8 weeks
  • Thomas Muster: 6 weeks
  • Carlos Moyá: 2 weeks
  • Patrick Rafter: 1 week
  • Alexander Zverev: 0 weeks (guaranteed soon)

Zverev's Expected Reign

If Zverev secures the number one ranking in Vienna, he is expected to hold it for at least nine weeks. This milestone will mark a new chapter in men’s tennis, as the 30th player to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

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