Alexander Zverev is poised to claim the world number one ranking for the first time at next week’s ATP tournament in Vienna. Currently second in the rankings behind Jannik Sinner, Zverev’s opportunity arrives as Sinner has ended his season early due to knee issues, which will lead to a significant drop in his ranking points.

The ATP has confirmed that Zverev will conclude the year as the top-ranked player, with the primary question being the timing of his ascent. Zverev can secure the number one spot at the Vienna event by advancing to the quarter-finals, a feat that would see him surpass Sinner in the rankings. He is set to begin his campaign against Spanish wildcard Martin Landaluce.

Zverev, who would become only the second German man to reach the top of the ATP rankings after Boris Becker, has had a breakthrough season. He captured his first major Grand Slam titles at the French Open and the US Open this year and was a finalist at Wimbledon.

Although he did not take significant time off following his US Open victory in New York, Zverev recently rested for a week between his semi-final loss at the Shanghai Masters to Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and the start of the Vienna tournament. This pause has left him feeling well prepared as he aims to reach the pinnacle of men's tennis rankings.