By Salma El-Sakka
German tennis player Alexander Zverev has become the ATP world number one for the first time at age 29, becoming the oldest man in more than 50 years to achieve the feat. The ranking follows his victories at the French Open and US Open in 2026, which gave him two Grand Slam titles in three months after years of near misses. Zverev, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age four, described the breakthrough as a reward for persistence and intense hard work.
Nadal influence sparks transformation
Zverev credited a 10-day training block with Rafael Nadal and his uncle Toni Nadal in Mallorca in July 2025 for reshaping his on-court approach. He adopted a more aggressive, higher-risk game with greater variety, which helped him overcome cramping anxiety in the French Open final against Flavio Cobolli to win the deciding set 6-1.
Family coaching dynamic
Zverev's father, Alex Sr, has been a constant presence in his coaching box, joined recently by older brother Mischa, a former ATP Tour player. Zverev said the family relationship works because they spend "zero time together" off court and his parents never forced him into tennis, encouraging other sports instead.
Rivalry with Sinner and Alcaraz
Despite his major successes, Zverev lost to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final and has now lost 10 consecutive matches to the Italian. He also faces Carlos Alcaraz as a primary rival. Zverev aims to turn 2027 into a three-way battle for major titles if all three remain fit.
Allegations and legal proceedings
Zverev's rise has been accompanied by serious off-court allegations. In 2020, ex-partner Olga Sharypova accused him of physical abuse; an ATP investigation found insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims. In 2023, a German court issued a penalty order fining him €450,000 for bodily harm against another ex-partner, Brenda Patea. The proceedings were terminated in May 2024 after a settlement, with the court stating the decision was not a verdict on guilt or innocence. Zverev has denied all allegations and said he considers the settlement proof of innocence.
