Alcaraz knocked out in Shanghai as Zverev secures year-end No 1

Alcaraz’s defeat by Bergs at the Shanghai Masters ended his run and confirmed that Zverev will finish 2026 at the top of the world rankings. The outcome also reflects the early end to Jannik Sinner’s campaign: the current world No 1 has been sidelined since Wimbledon by a knee problem.

Alcaraz arrived in Shanghai after winning the Japan Open in Tokyo last Tuesday. He was pursuing a ninth ATP Masters 1000 title and his first of a season affected by injuries. Bergs, however, overcame the second seed in two sets, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4). After failing to serve out the match at 6-5 in the second set, he recovered and took the tie-break.

The numbers underline the Belgian’s performance. He converted three of the four break points he created, while Alcaraz took both of his opportunities. Bergs also hit 12 forehand winners to his opponent’s four. The win sends him into the next round, where he will face either defending champion Valentin Vacherot or Tommy Paul.

Bergs described the moment as difficult to take in: “It is a bit of disbelief and not feeling too much. You don’t really realise what is going on; you are just in the moment, focused on the points you have to play.” He was also pleased with how he responded after being broken while serving for the match, saying he handled the key moments of the tie-break well and served big.

The Belgian also spoke about the weight of facing high-profile opponents. Recalling his match against Novak Djokovic last year, he said he had been playing the name rather than the player, and called his victory over Alcaraz a relief. “I now feel I can win against those guys, not just play against them,” he added.

Zverev, meanwhile, described his season as “fantastic”, pointing to his wins in Paris and New York and calling the prospect of ending the year at No 1 a dream come true. He also reflected on the work involved, especially after returning from an ankle injury, and said he looked forward to finishing the season in style. The Shanghai Masters and Wuhan Open run until Sunday, October 18.