HAMBURG/STARNBERG, November 2, 2026 (via DTB Media Release)
November 2 will forever be remembered as a historic date for German tennis. Alexander Zverev has reached the top of the tennis world, 35 years after Boris Becker first became World No. 1 in January 1991. Zverev is now the second German man to reach the summit of the ATP Rankings and the first ever to finish a season at the top.
For the German Tennis Federation (DTB), this achievement represents an extraordinary milestone and sends a powerful message for tennis in Germany. The federation will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year. Being able to enter this special anniversary year with the men’s world No. 1 adds even greater significance to the occasion.
“Today is a historic day for German tennis. Sascha has earned his place at the top of the world rankings through extraordinary perseverance and hard work. Even during difficult periods, he remained committed to himself, his path and his team, alongside his father and brother. Together, they have continuously worked to develop his game and become even better at the highest level.
“To see him now reward himself with an exceptional season that will go down in the history books is truly impressive. Sascha is currently the best tennis player in the world, and we at the DTB could not be prouder. He is one of the outstanding German individual athletes of our time. This achievement deserves the highest recognition,” said DTB President Dietloff von Arnim.
From Setbacks to the Top of the World
Zverev’s journey to the summit has been anything but straightforward. Over the past few years, the Hamburg native has repeatedly faced significant challenges. His serious ankle injury in 2022, as well as defeats in several major finals, were among the most painful experiences of his career. Yet these setbacks have helped shape him and taught him the importance of staying committed to his path.
“Alexander Zverev, stronger and more mature in 2026, is also the product of this development. His achievements are the result of a lengthy process in which he repeatedly had to prove himself. With his triumphs at the French Open and US Open in 2026, he has capped an extraordinary season and firmly written his name into the history of our sport,” von Arnim added.
The DTB is also making the historic achievement visible across the city. On Monday, the federation launched a large-scale out-of-home advertising campaign in Hamburg to congratulate Zverev on reaching the top of the world rankings. Under the slogan “Ab heute spielt Deutschland auf Platz 1 – From today, Germany plays at No. 1”, the new World No. 1 is being celebrated across more than 300 advertising spaces throughout the city.
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