'Sometimes you've got to wait': Zverev becomes oldest first-time No. 1 in 52 years

Alexander Zverev (Reuters Photo)

Alexander Zverev has finally reached the summit of men's tennis, becoming the world No. 1 for the first time in his career on Monday and setting a remarkable record in the process. The 29-year-old German became the oldest player in 52 years to reach the top of the ATP rankings for the first time, ending a wait that had stretched across several seasons.Zverev is only the 30th player to occupy the top spot since the ATP rankings were introduced. He also becomes just the second German man to achieve the distinction in singles, joining compatriot and former world No. 1 Boris Becker.

His rise to the top comes after a remarkable season in which he captured two Grand Slam titles, winning the French Open in June with a victory over Flavio Cobolli before defeating Ben Shelton to lift the US Open trophy at Flushing Meadows in September.Those triumphs helped silence years of criticism over his inability to convert his talent into major titles. Zverev had often been described as the 'greatest player never to win a Grand Slam' before finally delivering on the biggest stages.

Zverev's long wait finally ends

The German's achievement is particularly significant given his age. He is the oldest first-time world No. 1 since John Newcombe, who reached the summit at the age of 30 in 1974.Zverev had previously climbed to No. 2 more than four years ago but had been unable to take the final step.

Reflecting on his long journey to the top, he said: "I had to wait. But sometimes you've got to wait for the best things in life. I'm super happy, super thrilled."The two Grand Slam crowns have been part of an outstanding season for Zverev, who also reached the Wimbledon final, losing to Jannik Sinner, and the Australian Open semifinals.He has compiled a 65-17 win-loss record this year and added to an already impressive collection of trophies that includes two ATP Finals titles, an Olympic singles gold medal and seven Masters 1000 titles.

Sinner slips as Zverev takes over

Zverev's elevation to the top has also brought an end to Sinner's reign as world No. 1. The Italian, who had held the position since April 13, drops to second, with Spain's Carlos Alcaraz occupying third place.

Sinner had announced the end of his season three weeks ago due to inflammation in his right knee.Zverev, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of four, will make his first appearance as world No. 1 at the Paris Masters this week.Meanwhile, 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar also made headlines by breaking into the top 10. He achieved the milestone just 287 days after making his Tour debut at the Australian Open, setting a new record and surpassing Gustavo Kuerten's previous mark of 490 days.