Zverev close to historic tennis achievement

Alexander Zverev is nearing a rare tennis milestone, potentially becoming the fifth player to finish a season as the world number one in both junior and professional rankings. Thirteen years after leading the junior rankings in 2013, Zverev is set to achieve the same status in the professional ATP rankings by the end of 2026.

Zverev needs strong showing in Vienna

Currently ranked second behind Jannik Sinner, Zverev only needs to reach the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 in Vienna to surpass Sinner in the rankings. As the top seed, he will face Martin Landaluce in the first round, with possible matches against Tallon Griekspoor or Brandon Nakashima in the second round.

Zverev’s number one status already secured

Even if Zverev does not achieve his goal in Vienna, his position as the year-end number one is already guaranteed. This would make him the second German in history to reach the top of the ATP rankings, following Boris Becker.

Only five players have achieved the double

Only five male players have finished a season as number one in both junior and professional tennis rankings. Zverev will join the list of Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, and Andy Roddick, who all achieved this feat.

Roddick and Ríos missed the mark

Andy Roddick, who was number one in the junior rankings in 2000, finished the 2003 season as the world number one. Marcelo Ríos, number one junior in 1993, reached the top ATP ranking in 1998 but did not finish the year as number one, ending in second place behind Pete Sampras.