Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out in the third round of the Shanghai Masters by Zizou Bergs, a result that confirms Alexander Zverev as the year-end world No 1. Bergs beat the second seed 7-5 7-6 (7-4), recovering in the second set to win a tie-break after failing to serve out the match at 6-5. It was the biggest win of his career.
Alcaraz's exit, combined with world No 1 Jannik Sinner ending his campaign early due to a knee problem that has sidelined him since Wimbledon, means Zverev will finish 2026 top of the rankings for the first time. Zverev won the French Open and US Open this summer for his maiden major titles. He said: "It's been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true."
Alcaraz, who had won the Japan Open in Tokyo the previous Tuesday, was chasing a ninth ATP Masters 1000 title and his first of an injury-hit season. Bergs converted three of his four break points and hit 24 winners to the Spaniard's 16. The world No 39 said he had often shown too much respect for top players, adding: "I now feel I can win against those guys, not just play against them."
Bergs will face USA's Tommy Paul in the next round after beating defending champion Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-2. Elsewhere, Daniil Medvedev joined Bergs in round four, while Britain's Sonay Kartal continued her comeback with a win at the Wuhan Open.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing