Alexander Zverev Becomes World No. 1; Perth Tennis Club’s 2011 Ladder Champion Says He Knows the Feeling, and That It Lasts About a Fortnight

By our Racquet Sports Correspondent

Alexander Zverev has become the world number one in men’s tennis, reaching the top of the ATP rankings.

At a Perth tennis club, the news was greeted warmly by a man who was top of the club ladder for a fortnight in August 2011, and who has never really got over it.

“You get to the top and you think it’ll last for ever,” said the former ladder champion, a retired accountant from Kinnoull. “Then a 16-year-old called Callum turns up with a two-handed backhand and a lot of energy, and that’s you. Enjoy it, Alexander. Enjoy every minute. Keep away from anyone called Callum.”

The club’s current ladder is led by a woman from Scone, who has been at the top since 2019. “I play every challenge on a Tuesday morning at nine,” she said. “Nobody young is free at nine on a Tuesday. That’s the secret. Tell Zverev.”

Club members said they were looking forward to the winter season, which involves “mainly sweeping leaves off the court, finding the balls in the hedge and saying ‘that was in’ with total confidence”.

The Perthetic congratulates Zverev and reminds him that in Perth, the rankings that really matter are on the noticeboard by the clubhouse kettle.

The real story: Zverev becomes world No. 1 (BBC Sport)