Zverev clinches world No. 1 in style, beating Griekspoor to reach Vienna quarterfinals

Alexander Zverev will be the world No. 1 on November 2, and on Thursday evening in Vienna he sealed it without facing a single break point. The German, seed No. 1, beat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals of the Erste Bank Open, the result he needed to become the 30th world No. 1 in ATP Tour history.

Then came the emotions, as he turned to his box and hugged his team.

At 29, nearly 30, Zverev becomes the second-oldest player to reach No. 1 for the first time. Former world No. 1 Thomas Muster honored him in a ceremony in Vienna.

Sometimes you have to wait for the good things in life. 2026 has been amazing.

“To be on the top of the world is very special,” Zverev said. “Today I played a very good match and I’m very happy about that. I have to wait a lot, but sometimes you have to wait for the good things in life. 2026 has been amazing.”

The German was in control throughout, breaking once in each set. He won all 11 of his service games, hit 11 aces and won 90% of the points behind his first serve (35 of 39). He converted two of his six break points and finished with 30 winners and 10 unforced errors, against 21 and 17 for Griekspoor.

The win was his 64th of the season, the most on the ATP Tour, and his 13th quarterfinal of the year. Zverev won the title in Vienna in 2021.

He had needed three sets to open his campaign, beating Spanish wildcard Martin Landaluce 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (11). Griekspoor, ranked No. 50, arrived as the Brussels champion and had beaten American Brandon Nakashima 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (2) in the first round, before Zverev ended his winning streak at six matches.

Zverev will face Briton Arthur Fery in the quarterfinal.