Alexander Zverev Targets Shanghai Success, Eyes World No. 1 Breakthrough

October 8, 2026

Shanghai: Alexander Zverev’s outstanding 2026 season has taken him closer than ever to the top of men’s tennis. However, as the German prepares for his Shanghai Masters campaign, he says the trust and support of his team remain central to his success.

The 29-year-old Zverev has enjoyed one of the strongest seasons of his career, winning two Grand Slam titles and moving within reach of becoming the 30th player to rise to No. 1 in the history of the PIF ATP Rankings. He won his maiden major title at Roland Garros in June before defeating Ben Shelton in the US Open final in September to claim his second Grand Slam crown.

Zverev, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will begin his Shanghai campaign against Chinese player Wu Yibing on Friday. Wu advanced to the second round after defeating Michael Zheng 6-3, 7-6(6) in the opening round.

Zverev Credits Team for 2026 Success

While the prospect of becoming world No. 1 has become a major talking point, Zverev says his focus remains on the people who have supported him throughout his career.

“We have all been fighting and working extremely hard for the same goals, and to achieve it together is even more special,” Zverev told ATP Media.

Among those closest to him, his father remains the most important figure in his player box. Zverev said the presence of his father provides familiarity and stability during the long and demanding tennis season.

“I think the number one reference point in my box is always my father. I think that is what I am most used to, most of the time,” he said.

For Zverev, the importance of his inner circle goes beyond technical advice. He believes having people who know him well helps him handle disagreements and difficult periods while keeping everyone focused on the same goals.

“I think it is important to have these close people because through tough moments you can have an argument and in the next moment you are still fighting for the same things,” he said.

“It is extremely important to have this kind of support and to have the people that know you best fighting for those things.”

Two Grand Slam Titles Put Zverev in World No. 1 Race

The support has accompanied Zverev through a remarkable season. His victory at Roland Garros gave him his first Grand Slam title, while his US Open triumph made him the fourth man in the Open Era to win his first two major titles in the same season.

Zverev has already qualified for the 2026 ATP Finals. He enters the Shanghai Masters with 58 wins this season and two titles, making him one of the leading players on the ATP Tour in 2026.

The German has also strengthened his position in the race for the year-end No. 1 ranking. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the Shanghai Masters because of a lingering knee injury, giving Zverev another opportunity to close the gap.

However, Zverev insists he is not allowing the rankings battle to distract him.

“I have big motivation to play and there are certain things I want to achieve and of course I am fighting for,” he said.

“For me, I enjoy playing tennis at the moment and hope that continues.”

Shanghai Provides Another Chance

Zverev says his approach is simple: focus on the next match rather than looking too far ahead.

“It is a talking point for everybody at the moment, the No. 1 ranking, but I am motivated to keep fighting for good things hopefully. The only thing I can control is what I do on the tennis court and my next match and that is what my focus is on each time,” he said.

The Shanghai Masters represents another opportunity for Zverev to add to an already impressive season. The tournament is being played from October 7 to 18, with Zverev entering as the top seed.

This is Zverev’s eighth appearance at the Masters 1000 event. His best result came in 2019, when he reached the final.

He now begins this year’s campaign against Wu carrying the confidence of a 58-win season and the backing of a team he credits for helping him reach the highest level of his career.

For Zverev, the immediate goal remains clear: win the next match, continue his strong season and let the world No. 1 ranking take care of itself.