Alexander Zverev seals World No. 1 ranking with Vienna win

The top-seeded German overcame the Dutchman 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 35 minutes, ensuring he will become World No. 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday, 2 November.

"It is very special. To have the feeling to be on the top of the world is amazing," Zverev said. "It is different than winning a tournament or a title, but it's such a special feeling to know that the No. 1 is going to be next to your name when the new rankings come out."

The 29-year-old added that the prospect of reaching the summit had provided extra motivation. "I was super focused and super motivated for multiple reasons. But, of course, being number one was a big subject. I think I played a very good match."

Zverev will become the first German to top the rankings since Boris Becker in 1991 and the 30th player to reach World No. 1 in ATP history.

His victory over Griekspoor was built on consistent serving and timely breaks. Zverev struck 11 aces and won 90 per cent of points behind his first serve, improving his head-to-head record against the Dutchman to 10-3.

The German has now won 64 of his 80 matches this season and reached his 13th quarter-final of the year, the most of any player on tour. He has also progressed to the last eight in Vienna for the sixth time.

Zverev will next face Britain's Arthur Fery for a place in the semi-finals. Fery defeated Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 after two hours and 44 minutes, saving seven of the nine break points he faced to secure his place in the last eight.

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