Zverev celebrates becoming year-end No 1 with Bublik win in Shanghai

Key points

• Alexander Zverev beat Alexander Bublik 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 7-6 (7-1) in Shanghai after becoming year-end No 1.
• Zverev will face ninth seed Alex de Minaur, who defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-4.
• Katie Boulter lost to Diana Shnaider 6-3 6-1 in the first round of the Wuhan Open.

Alexander Zverev marked his first match since becoming year-end No 1 by defeating Alexander Bublik 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 7-6 (7-1) to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals. The top seed, who won the French Open and US Open this year, said his ankle was acting up after the win.

Zverev will next play ninth seed Alex de Minaur, who beat Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-4. With Jannik Sinner out for the rest of 2026 due to a knee injury and Carlos Alcaraz unable to overtake him, Zverev secured the year-end top ranking on Monday.

Zverev on his achievement

Zverev said: "It is very, very special. To finish the world No 1 is a different kind of feeling." He added that the responsibility is different and that he is looking forward to it as he approaches 30.

Former British No 1 Tim Henman praised Zverev, telling the ATP Tour that his transformation over 12 months has been phenomenal and that he has found ways to win in big matches.

It is very, very special. To finish the world No 1 is a different kind of feeling.

— Alexander Zverev

Boulter and Swiatek updates

Katie Boulter lost to 11th seed Diana Shnaider 6-3 6-1 in the first round of the Wuhan Open. Boulter, who has been mourning the death of her grandfather, led by an early break but struggled to hold serve.

Iga Swiatek is 10th in the WTA Finals qualifying table, with only four of the eight spots still available for the November 8-15 tournament at Indian Wells. Swiatek, who won the event in 2023, said getting into the Finals is her goal and called the situation a positive challenge.