Carlos Alcaraz Gains Temporary ATP Rankings Advantage as Alexander Zverev Stuns in Montreal
Carlos Alcaraz’s delayed return to competitive tennis has unexpectedly granted him a brief boost in the ATP Rankings, following a stunning upset suffered by Alexander Zverev at the Montreal Masters 1000. The Spanish star had to postpone his comeback, withdrawing from the Cincinnati Masters due to ongoing recovery from a wrist injury.
Yet, Zverev’s shocking first-round loss to Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor has stalled the German’s momentum and preserved Alcaraz’s position above him for now.
Zverev, the French Open champion and Wimbledon finalist, entered the Montreal tournament as a strong favorite to claim the ATP Masters 1000 crown amid a depleted field missing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Alcaraz himself. However, the German’s campaign was derailed by Griekspoor, who triumphed 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4 in a match that marked only his third win against Zverev in twelve head-to-head encounters. “This is one of the most special wins I have had,” Griekspoor reflected. “I have had a very tough season, which is not easy. I have been very close to throwing the towel a couple of times. But I have been working harder and harder lately and reached quite a good level in training in the past couple of weeks. I felt like it was just a matter of time. This one is special, especially against a player like Sascha.”
Zverev’s defeat means he remains third in the ATP Rankings, still trailing Alcaraz after slipping below the Spanish star last Monday. However, Zverev is projected to reclaim second place by the time the US Open-the year’s final Grand Slam-commences. Alcaraz, who won Cincinnati last year, stands to lose 1,000 ranking points from that title if he does not compete this year, with the added risk of a significant ranking drop looming if he misses the US Open entirely.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Cincinnati was officially confirmed in a tournament statement: “Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open. Wishing all the best to our 2025 champion in his recovery process. Can’t wait to welcome you next year.” Tournament director Bob Moran added, “We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible.” The decision underscores ongoing concerns about Alcaraz’s fitness following the wrist injury he sustained at the Barcelona Open in April.
The implications for Alcaraz’s ranking are stark. Without defending his US Open title, where he earned 2,000 points after defeating Sinner in last year’s final, he risks plummeting out of the ATP’s top four if his rivals capitalize at Flushing Meadows. Meanwhile, Zverev’s unexpected Montreal defeat highlights the volatile nature of the men’s tour as the season heads into its critical final stages.
Griekspoor’s breakthrough victory over Zverev not only shakes up the rankings but also signals a shift in momentum among the contenders. Alcaraz’s prolonged absence leaves a vacuum at the top, intensifying the battle for supremacy as the calendar ticks toward the US Open.