Jimmy Connors claims Alexander Zverev now has an ‘obligation’ he must fulfil after becoming world number one

Around 53 years after the ATP rankings were first recorded, Alexander Zverev has become the 30th man to claim the top spot.

Zverev finally snagged the world number one ranking from Jannik Sinner after defeating Tallon Griekspoor in the Vienna Open round of 16.

Zverev received the world number one trophy on Monday ahead of his first match at the Paris Masters, and he has since been congratulated by the likes of Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras.

Jimmy Connors, another tennis legend, also congratulated the German on his historic achievement.

Connors has since offered a more detailed overview of his thoughts and stated what Zverev should look to do next.

Jimmy Connors says Alexander Zverev has an obligation to ‘play like a two-time Grand Slam champion’

“I got to mention this, as happy as I am for Zverev and the way he has played, he has an obligation now to the game and to himself to play like a two-time Grand Slam champion, every time. Every time he walks out,” Connors, a five-time US Open champion, stated on the Advantage Connors Podcast.

“I am saying that from the heart, because I like him. My opportunity to give him the trophy at the US Open was pretty amazing and thrilling but upon himself, I hope that he doesn’t let down to the point of being satisfied.

“He has got two now, so go through three. Get three and go for four. As long as you are in the game and are playing the game at this level, be in it to be a Grand Slam champion. I hope he does.”

Zverev has received much praise throughout 2026; the German has won his first two Grand Slam titles, achieved the world number one ranking and is now guaranteed to end the year in the top spot.

However, many onlookers have highlighted the long-term, injury-induced absences of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, suggesting that Zverev would not have been nearly as successful had the two superstars both been healthy for the majority of the season.

Zverev also has a 3-9 record against top-10 opposition this year, and is at risk of breaking Andy Roddick’s unwanted tennis record.

Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam results in 2026

• Australian Open – lost in the semi-finals to Carlos Alcaraz
• Roland Garros – defeated Flavio Cobolli in the final
• Wimbledon – lost to Jannik Sinner in the final
• US Open – defeated Ben Shelton in the final

As Connors argues, Zverev must now play like a Grand Slam champion and defeat the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on a more frequent basis.

Alexander Zverev’s concerning record versus Lorenzo Musetti

Zverev is due to play former world number four Lorenzo Musetti in the first round of the Paris Masters on Wednesday.

Zverev’s record against the Italian may come as a surprise to many: he is 2-3 against the former Roland Garros semi-finalist.

However, there is hope for the German – he defeated Musetti in their last meeting at the 2025 Vienna Open.

Zverev defeated Musetti 6-4, 7-5 in the semi-finals, before losing to Jannik Sinner in the final.