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Alexander Zverev has another mission to complete after sealing year-end number one over Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Alexander Zverev cemented his place in tennis history as the first German to close out a calendar year atop the world rankings, a milestone he achieved after Carlos Alcaraz’s early exit in Shanghai. The 25-year-old’s ascent to the No.

1 spot was secured following Alcaraz’s upset loss to Zizou Bergs in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event, while Jannik Sinner’s season-ending injury ensured no competition. Zverev’s campaign this year has been defined by two Grand Slam triumphs—Roland Garros and the US Open—but his inability to defeat either Alcaraz or Sinner in decisive matches remains his unfinished challenge.

Sinner, who currently holds the No. 1 ranking, has dominated Zverev on the tour, winning 10 straight meetings, including finals at Madrid and Wimbledon.

Their head-to-head record at majors stands at 2-3 in favor of Sinner, with Alcaraz also holding a slight edge over Zverev after their five-set Australian Open semifinal clash. Zverev’s next test in Shanghai will come against Alexander Bublik, following victories over Yibing Wu and Quentin Halys, who had previously pushed him to five sets in the US Open’s second round.

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