Sports · Tennis · 1 day ago
Jimmy Connors says Alexander Zverev deserves to become world number one
Former tennis champion Jimmy Connors says Alexander Zverev deserves to become the world’s top-ranked men’s player.
Zverev, from Germany, has reached the finals of the last three Grand Slam tournaments and won two of them.
Connors said Zverev had stepped up and made the most of his chances after earlier criticism that he should have won a major title sooner.
Zverev’s rise comes as Jannik Sinner has ended his 2026 season, while injuries to Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have also affected the race for the top ranking.
Zverev could secure the year-end number one spot by reaching at least the semi-finals at the Shanghai Masters.
The year-end ranking could also be settled if Alcaraz or Ben Shelton loses during the tournament.
Sinner’s points from several upcoming events will also come off in the coming months, leaving the timing of Zverev’s move to number one still uncertain.
Jimmy Connors said Alexander Zverev deserves to become world No. 1 after a strong run of results.
Connors said Zverev had taken advantage of his opportunities and played the tennis needed to earn the ranking.
Zverev has reached the finals of the last three Grand Slam tournaments and won two, according to Tennis Head.
Jannik Sinner ending his 2026 season helped confirm Zverev’s move toward the top of the rankings.
Zverev could secure the year-end No. 1 title by reaching at least the semi-finals at the Shanghai Masters, the article said.
- Who
- Jimmy Connors said Alexander Zverev deserves to become world No. 1.
- What
- Connors praised Zverev’s form and said he had earned the top ranking.
- When
- Connors spoke on his Advantage Connors podcast; the article was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- The comments were made on the Advantage Connors podcast. The article discusses the Shanghai Masters.
- Why
- Connors said Zverev stepped up, took advantage of opportunities and played the tennis needed to become No. 1.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Good for him!
From the French to winning the US Open. What a three or four month period he had. You dream of that, and his dream came true.
But, boy, did he step up, and took advantage of every opportunity that he had, and came through, and played the kind of tennis necessary, and deserves to be number one.
Jannik Sinner ended his season, helping confirm Zverev’s progress toward the top of the world rankings.
Tennis Head published its report on Connors’s comments.
Zverev could secure the year-end No. 1 title by reaching the semi-finals, while the outcome could also depend on results involving Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton.
- Commentator
- Jimmy Connors
- Player
- Alexander Zverev
- Recent Grand Slam finals
- Three consecutive finals; two wins
- Possible year-end ranking milestone
- Reach the semi-finals at the Shanghai Masters
- Other players mentioned
- Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton
Sources
Related news
Zheng Qinwen wins China Open for first title in two years
Arthur Gea beats Ben Shelton in straight sets at Shanghai Masters
Mouratoglou praises Alcaraz’s resilience after Tokyo title
Djokovic loses to Hurkacz in Shanghai three days after Beijing title
Djokovic remains in contention for ATP Finals after Shanghai loss
Alcaraz beats Cerundolo in Shanghai after debuting team moustache pact
Mertens beats Swiatek to reach China Open semifinals
Zheng Qinwen reaches China Open final against Mirra Andreeva
Jimmy Connors says off-court distractions may be affecting Sabalenka
Alex Eala to face Han Shi in Wuhan Open first round
Readers back Alcaraz to win his first Shanghai Masters title
