Carlos Alcaraz Matches Andy Murray’s Weeks at World No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz has officially matched a significant career milestone held by three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, reaching 41 weeks as the world’s top-ranked male tennis player. This achievement solidifies the young Spaniard’s place among the sport’s elite, drawing parallels to Murray’s impressive reign atop the ATP rankings.

Alcaraz’s Ascent to World No. 1

The 22-year-old Alcaraz has quickly established himself as a dominant force in men’s tennis since turning professional in 2018. His meteoric rise saw him break into the top 100 in May 2021 and claim his first major title at the US Open in 2022, becoming the youngest male and first male teenager in the Open Era to reach the world No. 1 singles ranking at 19 years, 4 months, and 7 days old. Alcaraz has since accumulated 24 ATP Tour singles titles, including six majors: two each at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

A Dominant 2025 Season

Alcaraz’s consistent performance throughout the 2025 season has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. He recently secured his eighth trophy of the season at the ATP 500 event in Tokyo, bringing his total ATP titles to 24. This dominant run in 2025 includes victories at Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, Queen’s, Cincinnati, and the US Open, showcasing his versatility across different surfaces and his ability to perform under pressure. His impressive form has also placed him in a strong position to secure his second year-end No. 1 honor.

Murray’s Legacy at the Top

Andy Murray’s 41 weeks as world No. 1 represent a golden era in his career, cementing his status as one of tennis’s modern greats. Murray, who achieved the No. 1 ranking for the first time in 2016, held the top spot for a total of 41 weeks, including as the year-end No. 1 in 2016. During his illustrious career, Murray captured 46 ATP Tour singles titles, including three major championships: the 2012 US Open, and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016. He also boasts two Olympic gold medals in singles, 14 Masters events, and a victory at the 2016 ATP World Tour Finals, making him the only player outside the “Big Three” (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic) to claim the year-end No. 1 honor between 2004 and 2024.

Joining an Elite Group

By matching Murray’s 41 weeks, Alcaraz becomes the 16th player since the inception of the ATP rankings in 1973 to achieve this feat. This places him in an exclusive club alongside some of the sport’s most legendary figures. The significance of this achievement highlights Alcaraz’s consistent performance at the pinnacle of men’s tennis at a remarkably young age.

What’s Next for Alcaraz?

With 41 weeks now under his belt, Alcaraz is poised to surpass Andy Murray next week and set his sights on the next target on the all-time list: Gustavo Kuerten, who accumulated 43 weeks at world No. 1. Following an injury scare in Tokyo, which led him to skip the Shanghai Masters, Alcaraz is expected to return to competition at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh in ten days, followed by appearances at the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals. His trajectory suggests he has the potential to continue rewriting the record books and further solidify his place among the sport’s all-time greats.