History maker! Alexander Zverev becomes oldest world number one after 52 years, joins Boris Becker in elite German club

Alexander Zverev (Photo Reuters) Alexander Zverev finally reached the pinnacle of men’s tennis, becoming world No. 1 for the first time in his career on Monday, setting a remarkable record in the process. The 29-year-old German became the oldest player to top the ATP rankings for the first time in 52 years, ending a wait that spanned several seasons.Zverev is only the 30th player to occupy the top spot since the introduction of the ATP rankings. He also became only the second German to achieve the honor in singles, joining compatriot and former world number one Boris Becker.His rise to the top comes after a remarkable season in which he claimed two Grand Slam titles, winning the French Open with victory over Flavio Cobolli in June before beating Ben Shelton and lifting the US Open trophy at Flushing Meadows in September.Those triumphs helped silence years of criticism over his inability to translate his talent into major titles. Zverev was often described as “the greatest player never to win a Grand Slam” before finally reaching the biggest stages.

Zverev’s long wait is finally over

The German achievement is particularly significant given his age. She is the oldest world number one since John Newcomb, who peaked at the age of 30 in 1974.Zverev previously climbed to No. 2 more than four years ago but failed to make the final step. Reflecting on his long journey to the top, he said: “I had to wait. But sometimes you have to wait for the best things in life. I’m super happy, super excited.”The two Grand Slam crowns were part of an excellent season for Zverev, who also reached the Wimbledon final, where he lost to Jannik Sinner, and the semi-finals of the Australian Open.He has compiled a 65-17 win-loss record this year, adding to an already impressive trophy collection that includes two ATP Finals titles, an Olympic singles gold medal and seven Masters 1000 titles.

Sinner slipped as Zverev took over

Zverev’s rise to the top also ended Sinner’s reign as world number one. The Italian, who held this position since April 13, drops to second place, the third place was taken by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.Sinner announced the end of the season three weeks ago due to inflammation in his right knee.Zverev, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of four, will make his first appearance as world number one at the Paris Masters this week.Meanwhile, 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar also made headlines when he broke into the top 10. He reached the milestone just 287 days after his Tour debut at the Australian Open, setting a new record and beating Gustav Kuerten’s previous mark of 490 days.