Alexander Zverev was officially confirmed as the new world No. 1 after overcoming Tallon Griekspoor in Vienna on Thursday, describing the achievement as a particularly special moment in his career.

The German secured a 6-4, 7-6 victory over Griekspoor to become the 30th player in tennis history to reach the top of the ATP rankings. He will take over from Jannik Sinner, whose 95-week spell at the summit is set to end next Monday.

“It’s very special,” Zverev said during his post-match interview.

“It’s different from winning a tournament or a title, but it’s such a special feeling to know that the number one is going to be next to your name when the new rankings come out. I’m super happy and super thrilled.”

The two-time Grand Slam champion defeated Griekspoor in their first meeting since the Dutchman’s controversial comments about the US Open final. Griekspoor had described the match as “mediocre” and insisted that Zverev would “absolutely not” replace Sinner as world No. 1.

Zverev has enjoyed an impressive 2026 campaign, winning both the French Open and US Open. However, he did not face Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz on his way to either title, with both players experiencing injury problems during the season.

The highest-ranked opponent Zverev defeated during those championship runs was Ben Shelton, who was ranked 10th in the world at the time of the US Open final.

‘I had to wait’

Zverev admitted that the significance of the occasion made his preparation for Thursday’s match different from usual.

“It felt different. I was super focused and motivated for multiple reasons, but the number one was definitely a big subject.

“I think I played a very good match, and I’m very happy about that.”

The 2026 achievement also makes Zverev the first German player to reach the top of the ATP rankings since Boris Becker in 1991.

The 2022 French Open injury setback had previously prevented him from completing his rise to the summit. Zverev suffered a serious ankle injury during his semi-final against Rafael Nadal, forcing him to abandon his challenge for the world No. 1 position at the time.

Reflecting on the long journey, the German acknowledged that reaching the top had required patience.

“I had to wait, but sometimes you have to wait. It is how it is,” Zverev said.

“I have no words for this year – I’m just thankful, happy, and all of the above.”

Zverev has now improved his 2026 win-loss record to 62-16 and will look to continue his impressive run when he faces Arthur Fery in the quarter-finals of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.