Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Pete Sampras and four other tennis legends congratulated Alexander Zverev after he reached world No. 1 for the first time following a remarkable 2026 season.
Alexander Zverev has received congratulatory messages from several tennis legends after reaching world No. 1 for the first time in his career. Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Jimmy Connors, Thomas Muster and Juan Carlos Ferrero all sent special messages to celebrate his achievement. Zverev also spoke at the Paris Masters about his success, his future goals and the special feeling of reaching the top after winning two Grand Slam titles in 2026.
Nadal, Sinner and Tennis Legends Congratulate Zverev
Nadal praised Zverev for finally achieving his dream after years of hard work. He said, “I know how hard you worked to achieve your dreams. Finally, you did it this year. Two Grand Slams, now world number one. Many congratulations, super happy for you.”
Sinner also congratulated Zverev and his team, saying, “Huge congrats for an incredible year. Two Grand Slams and now finally you are number one in the world, the 30th in history.”
Sampras called it one of the best seasons ever, saying, “To get to three straight major finals, to win two of them, to finish year number one is one of the best years ever.” He also praised Zverev’s hard work and improvement.
Courier remembered seeing Zverev as a 10-year-old practising in Florida. “Now I look at the rankings and I see you at the top of the mountain. Congratulations on a well-earned world number one ranking,” he said.
Connors praised his two Grand Slam wins and comeback from injury. Muster welcomed him into the world No. 1 club, while Ferrero celebrated his journey, saying, “What a journey by you guys, what a pursuit, what an achievement. Number one. You all deserve it.”
Zverev Talks About His Success and Future Goals
Speaking in Paris, Zverev said, “It’s a special day for sure.” He explained that Paris had given him both heartbreak and happy memories, but winning his first Grand Slam there made reaching world No. 1 even more meaningful.
He also praised Medvedev, saying, “I don’t think his level has disappeared anywhere.” He believes Medvedev will remain among the top players and expects Tsitsipas to return to his best tennis.
Zverev said winning a Grand Slam brought him the biggest relief of his career, while becoming world No. 1 required a full season of strong performances. He also has new goals, including competing more often with Sinner and Alcaraz and improving on grass.
“I definitely feel like I can compete for all the four Grand Slams,” he said.
After feeling tired in Shanghai, Zverev took a week off and said his energy had returned. He has received messages from athletes in other sports and German politicians too. However, he will celebrate properly only after the Davis Cup, with his family and five children on a holiday in the Maldives.
rafael nadaljannik sinnerpete samprasjim courierjimmy connorsthomas musterjuan carlos ferreroparis masters 2026