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Rafael Nadal Congratulates Alexander Zverev on Reaching World Number One

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

The German star is now the second-oldest player to reach the pinnacle of the rankings, only younger than the legendary John Newcombe, who was older when he first became world number one.

Rafael Nadal’s Message to Zverev

Rafael Nadal, who coached Zverev at his academy last year, praised him for the accomplishment. 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.”

Support from Tennis Legends

Several prominent players past and present also offered their congratulations:

  • Jannik Sinner: “Huge congrats for an incredible year. Two Grand Slams and now you are number one in the world.”
  • 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, and finish year-end number one is one of the best years ever. I’ve been a big fan since you started and seeing you break through this year was exciting. Well deserved, good luck for the rest of the year.”
  • Jim Courier, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Jimmy Connors, Gustavo Kuerten also extended their good wishes.

Zverev’s 2026 Grand Slam Performance

  • Australian Open: Lost in semi-finals to Carlos Alcaraz
  • Roland Garros: Won against Flavio Cobolli in the final
  • Wimbledon: Lost to Jannik Sinner in the final
  • US Open: Defeated Ben Shelton in the final

Zverev, a two-time major winner, prepares to play the Paris Masters this week. This tournament marks his first appearance as the world number one, where he faces a challenging second-round match against former world number four Lorenzo Musetti. Musetti recently won his third career title in Lyon, France.

Zverev’s Reaction to Receiving the No. 1 Trophy

During a ceremony at the Paris Masters on Monday, Zverev received the world number one trophy. On Instagram, he reflected emotionally:

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 world number one and will climb the ranks in all-time weeks at No. 1, moving ahead of players like Pat Rafter, Carlos Moya, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Marcelo Rios, Thomas Muster, John Newcombe, and Juan Carlos Ferrero.

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