Alexander Zverev has another opportunity to close the gap at the top of the ATP rankings after Jannik Sinner withdrew from the China Open. The German is already enjoying the strongest Grand Slam season of his career after winning Roland Garros and the US Open, and the latest development in Sinner's recovery has created another opening in the battle for world No. 1.
Sinner's withdrawal from Beijing is particularly significant because the Italian is the defending champion and will therefore lose the 500 points he earned with his title last year. Zverev, meanwhile, is set to be the first seed in China and could reduce the gap at the top of the rankings to fewer than 900 points if he wins the tournament.
The timing could make the situation even more interesting, with the Shanghai Masters following immediately after Beijing. The Masters 1000 event will offer another 1,000 points to the champion, meaning Zverev has a significant opportunity to continue closing the distance during the Asian swing if he can maintain his current level.
However, Zverev is refusing to get distracted by the possibility. The German will first turn his attention to the Laver Cup, where he is preparing to make his eighth appearance, before the race for the top ranking becomes an increasingly important storyline during the final months of the season.
Zverev refuses to get distracted by No. 1 talk
Asked about his chances of reaching the top of the rankings, Zverev acknowledged that the conversation is now unavoidable, particularly given Sinner's physical situation, but insisted that his focus remains on his own tennis.
“It doesn't matter. The conversations are there right now. Especially with the question marks that Jannik has a little bit health-wise,” Zverev said to Sky Sports. “ I'm just focusing on doing my job. I'm focusing on playing good tennis.”
The German has already moved ahead of Sinner in the ATP Race to Turin following his US Open triumph, although he remains behind the Italian in the official ATP rankings. Zverev entered the post-US Open period 1,810 points behind Sinner in the rankings, with the German defending significantly fewer points during the remainder of the season.
That difference in points to defend has made the final stretch of the season particularly important. Sinner had 3,550 points to defend from Beijing through the ATP Finals, compared with 1,080 for Zverev, meaning the German has more room to gain ground through his own results.
Zverev, though, is not interested in making the ranking battle the centre of his attention. For him, the simplest route towards the top is to continue producing the level that has already delivered two Grand Slam titles in 2026.
“I'm focusing on doing everything I can to prepare well for the matches that are ahead of me. And the rest will just follow," the world No. 2 added. "If you're playing good tennis, if you're winning matches, if you're competing for big tournaments, yeah, those conversations come, but it's a good thing when they come.”
Could Alexander Zverev take the No. 1 spot this year? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/9i86cIqoK1
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) September 25, 2026
Zverev prepares for eighth Laver Cup appearance
Before Beijing and Shanghai, Zverev will compete at the Laver Cup, where he is set to make his eighth appearance. The German is the most experienced player in the event, having previously competed seven times and won five Laver Cup titles.
He also holds the tournament records for singles victories, with seven, as well as singles points with 17 and total points with 21. His experience will again make him one of the central figures for Team Europe as the event gets underway.
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The Laver Cup comes at the end of a remarkable Grand Slam campaign for Zverev. After winning his maiden major at Roland Garros earlier in 2026, he added a second Grand Slam title at the US Open by defeating Ben Shelton in the final in New York.
That has already transformed the German's season, but the possibility of becoming world No.1 would provide another major target. With Sinner now missing Beijing and the Shanghai Masters immediately following, the next few weeks could become increasingly important in the battle at the top of the ATP rankings.
For now, however, Zverev's message remains consistent: play well, win matches and let the ranking take care of itself.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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