Zverev beats Bublik in Shanghai as he celebrates year-end No 1 spot

Alexander Zverev beat Alexander Bublik at the Shanghai Masters, winning 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 7-6 (7-1). The victory takes him into the quarter-finals and comes as he celebrates his year-end position as world No 1.

The match remained finely balanced: Zverev claimed both tie-breaks but lost the second set. He will face Alex de Minaur in the next round. The Australian advanced by beating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-4.

After the win, Zverev acknowledged that he was feeling his body more and that his ankle was bothering him. He nevertheless focused on the result: “I’m happy to get through because it was a difficult match. He’s been playing amazing tennis this week. The most important thing is that I won today.”

The victory comes with current world No 1 Jannik Sinner set to miss the rest of 2026 because of a knee injury, while Carlos Alcaraz can no longer overtake Zverev this year. The German was playing for the first time since securing the year-end No 1 honour for the first time on Monday.

“It is very, very special. To finish the year as world No 1 is a different kind of feeling,” Zverev said. He also spoke of the responsibility that comes with the ranking and said he was looking forward to taking it on, adding that the achievement felt special as he approaches 30.

Tim Henman praised Zverev at the Laver Cup in London last month. The former British No 1 highlighted his ability to find a way through big matches, even when he is not playing his best: “He’s found a way to win. Then you give yourself a chance to play better. The way he’s played in the Grand Slams speaks for itself.”