Alexander Zverev was honored with the World no.1 trophy in Paris ahead of the Rolex Paris Masters on Monday. Paris was a befitting place for the German to take the World no.1 crown as he won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Roland Garros.
Zverev then made his season from better to best after he lifted the US Open title after beating Ben Shelton in the summit clash.
With ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi and tournament director Cedric Pioline present on court, Zverev lifted the No. 1 trophy.
“It’s incredibly special to celebrate it here in Paris, where a couple of months ago I won my first Grand Slam title,” Zverev said. “I always loved this city… To receive this trophy in Paris is extremely special to me.”
Zverev gave credit to his team for their support throughout his career.
“It’s a team effort,” Zverev said of the achievement. “We’ve been together for many, many years now. I don’t really change my team. My team has been the same for more than 10 years. Achieving this is a complete team effort. We all work unbelievably hard, and a big thanks to everyone who is standing there.”
The German admitted he started thinking about becoming the World No.1 after winning the French Open.
Zverev wrote on ATP tour, “I won my first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, which was a huge goal of mine. And as soon as I did that, I started thinking about trying to become World No. 1.”
Zverev has battled Type 1 diabetes in his career and to become the World no.1 despite the disease is some achievement for the German.
He concluded, “I’m proud as a Type 1 diabetic to show that to families dealing with the disease. And if ever there will be another World No. 1 with diabetes, I would be the happiest person in the world.”
Zverev will begin his Paris Masters campaign against Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday.
