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Alexander Zverev speaks after setting ATP record for 2026 that no other player can match, ‘I’m happy with that’

Alexander Zverev made a decisive step toward securing the year-end ATP world No. 1 ranking by reaching the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters, where he overcame a tough three-set battle against Quentin Halys with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 victory.

The German’s win also marked his arrival at 60 tour-level victories this season—the first player to do so—and set him on course to clinch the top spot if he advances to the semifinals. Zverev praised Halys’ aggressive serve and powerful first forehand, calling the Frenchman’s rise in the rankings impressive and noting he’d prefer not to face him in early rounds again.

Looking ahead to his next match against Alexander Bublik, Zverev dismissed the head-to-head record, emphasizing the challenge ahead despite Bublik’s hard-court dominance in their previous meetings. The 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters remains Zverev’s lone win over the Kazakh, who leads their head-to-head 3-1.

Reflecting on his season, Zverev acknowledged strategic tournament selection and late-career growth, crediting his two Grand Slam titles and Wimbledon final appearance as key achievements beyond the win total.

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