At 29, almost 30, Zverev becomes the second-oldest player to reach No. 1 for the first time. The former number 1 racket of the world, Thomas Muster, honored him at a ceremony in Vienna.
Sometimes you have to wait for good things in life. 2026 was amazing.
“Being on top of the world is very special,” Zverev said. “I had a very good match today and I’m very happy about it. I have to wait a lot, but sometimes you have to wait for good things in life. 2026 was amazing.”
The German was in control throughout, breaking once in each set. He won all 11 of his service games, hit 11 aces and won 90% of his first serve points (35 of 39). She converted two of her six break points and finished with 30 winners and 10 unforced errors to Grixpur’s 21 and 17.
The win was his 64th of the season, the most on the ATP Tour, and his 13th quarterfinal of the year. Zverev won the title in Vienna in 2021.
He needed three sets to start his campaign, defeating Spain’s Martin Landalus 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (11). Grixpur, ranked 50th, arrived in Brussels as champion and defeated American Brandon Nakashima 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (2) in the first round before Zverev ended his six-match winning streak.
Zverev will meet British Arthur Ferry in the quarterfinals.