Ranking race on for young and old(er)

As German Alexander Zverev basks in the glory of his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title win in Rome, deservedly, there is a lot a talk about the arrival of the Next Gen star.

The 20-year-old’s title run notably makes him the youngest winner at that level since 2007.

Alexander #Zverev produced several milestone moments w/his win in the @InteBNLdItalia final. Read: https://t.co/oj9viOwSvY #ATPMasters1000 pic.twitter.com/wTFpzB4iju

— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) May 21, 2017

Zverev subsequently makes a rapid rise to the world’s top 10, jumping seven spots to become the youngest man to reach the elite category since Juan Martin del Potro in 2008.

Yet while all the buzz might be about Zverev and the rise of the #NextGen, the release of the latest ATP World Tour rankings also highlight that the old guard isn’t going anywhere yet…

Today world No.2 Novak Djokovic celebrates his 30th birthday. Alongside fellow 30-year-olds Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, as well as 35-year-old Roger Federer and 32-year-old Stan Wawrinka, it means for the first-time in ATP World Tour history all members of the world’s top five are 30 or over.

Belgian Steve Darcis also has a reason to celebrate. The 33-year-old won an ATP Challenger title in Bordeaux last week to propel his ranking to a new career-high of No.38.

What a week… #bestranking #38 #passimallevieux #teamdereve #sharkspirit #???????????? #vamos pic.twitter.com/urlADmHPAW

— steve darcis (@stevedarcishark) May 22, 2017

Don’t be blinded by the hype, this is still a ranking race that is on for both young and old(er)!

ATP Top 10