Alexander Zverev’s first No. 1 ranking will be confirmed Monday thanks to win in Vienna

VIENNA (AP) — Alexander Zverev will finally rise to be the No. 1 men’s tennis player Monday when the next rankings are published.

Zverev’s win Thursday in Vienna to reach the quarterfinals of the Erste Bank Open fixed the specific date when he will claim the top ranking that already was assured by the end of the season.

“To have the feeling to be on the top of the world is amazing,” Zverev said after beating Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 7-5.

“It is different than winning a tournament or a title,” the French Open and U.S. Open champion said, “but it’s such a special feeling to know that the No. 1 is going to be next to your name when the new rankings come out.”

The 29-year-old Zverev will replace Jannik Sinner atop the rankings Monday regardless of his next results.

Sinner announced the end of his season three weeks ago because of inflammation in his right knee.

Zverev will be the 30th different men’s player at No. 1 and the oldest first-timer to reach the top since 30-year-old John Newcombe did it in 1974. The ATP rankings had been created the previous year.

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