Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev are the only players at this year's ATP Finals to reach No. 1, and the trio talked about what that achievement feels like.
Sinner currently holds the No. 1 ranking. He overtook Novak Djokovic after the French because the Serbian was forced to withdraw before his quarterfinal match with a knee injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
The Italian earned that spot by starting the season with titles at the Australian Open, Rotterdam Open, and Miami Open. Sinner also reached the French Open semifinal, losing in five sets to Alcaraz at that stage.
Sinner currently holds a formidable lead at the top of the rankings because he secured further titles at the US Open, Cincinnati Open, and Shanghai Masters. His place as the year-end No. 1 was confirmed weeks ago.
Alcaraz first became No. 1 after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 French Open. The Spaniard triumphed against Casper Ruud, who would have reached the summit in the rankings if he had beaten Alcaraz.
Despite winning the French Open and Wimbledon this year, the highest Alcaraz can finish this year is No. 2. Alexander Zverev overtook him after winning the Paris Masters, meaning the Spaniard must better the German's results at the ATP Finals.
Medvedev reached No. 1 on February 28th, 2022. That followed more than a year of impressive results, including winning the 2021 US Open title and finishing as the runner-up at the 2021 and 2022 Australian Opens.
The three men did an interview together for the ATP, during which they discussed being among the 29 men in the so-called "No. 1 club." Djokovic holds the record for the most weeks at the top of the rankings, with 428.
Alcaraz feels nothing compares to becoming the world's No. 1 player, which all players at the top of the sport strive to achieve throughout the season.
"Nothing compares to achieving the World No.1 ranking. It’s what you strive for as a tennis player – to be the best, to have no one above you."
Sinner said reaching the No. 1 ranking was a childhood dream. He also praised others who have become No. 1, saying they all bring or brought something unique to tennis that adds to the experience.
"Becoming the No.1 is a childhood dream. It’s an honour to sit among the greats of our sport as part of the No.1 Club, each one of us bringing something unique to the game."
Medvedev stated that reaching No. 1 was special because those who achieve it must perform at a very high level for several weeks at a time, giving players a chance to celebrate everything they have accomplished.
"Very few players have managed to reach the No.1 spot. You need to be able to play at the highest level, week after week. That’s what makes the No.1 Club so special – it’s an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished."