Germany’s Alexander Zverev is set to finish the tennis season as the world number one for the first time in his career after Carlos Alcaraz suffered a third-round defeat at the Shanghai Masters on Monday.
The 29-year-old, currently ranked second in the world, is poised to achieve the milestone following a remarkable season that has seen him claim two Grand Slam titles, including his maiden French Open crown in June and the US Open title in September.
Alcaraz’s unexpected exit in Shanghai paved the way for Zverev to secure the year-end top ranking, marking a significant achievement in the German’s professional career.
Zverev’s French Open triumph was particularly special, as it marked his first-ever Grand Slam title after years of competing at the highest level of men’s tennis.
The German will also make history as the first male player from his country to finish a season ranked number one in the world.
At 29, he is also set to become the oldest player to receive the year-end number-one trophy for the first time, with the award ceremony scheduled for November.
Zverev’s anticipated achievement marks a major milestone in a season that has strengthened his position among the leading figures in men’s tennis, while Alcaraz’s Shanghai disappointment has opened the door for a new name to finish the year at the summit of the rankings.
