Zizou Bergs pulled off the biggest win of his career after knocking out Carlos Alcaraz from the Shanghai Masters on Monday.
Belgian Zizou Bergs produced the biggest win of his career – holding his nerve in a 7-5, 7-6 (4) victory in two hours and two minutes to send Alcaraz packing.
The Spaniard was out of sorts against the world No 43, as he perhaps felt the effects of his title run in Tokyo, with the seven-time major champion hitting seven winners and 17 unforced errors in the first set.
The 23-year-old kept the unforced errors down in the second set but Bergs’ strong serving kept Alcaraz at arm’s length.
He then broke the former world No 1’s serve at 6-5 in the second set, as Alcaraz’s temper nearly got the better of him. But Bergs then faltered when serving for the match as both players headed to a tiebreak.
But, the underdog managed to take his chance at the second opportunity, serving an ace to take the tiebreak by seven points to four.
“This is something that has been very tough for me,” Bergs said, when asked about getting a win against one of the biggest stars on the ATP Tour.
“I often have too much respect for these guys, which is part of my culture and I’m proud of that. But it gets a little bit in the way when you have to play them. I had a great moment here last year against (Novak) Djokovic where I was definitely playing the name, not the guy.
“The more experience you have practising against them and playing matches, the more it becomes the new standard a little bit. To have this moment, for me it is a little bit of a relief. I feel like now I really can win against these guys. Not just I can play against them, but I can win against them.”
Bergs’ win also secured Zverev the year-end world No 1 ranking for 2026. The German, currently ranked second, will become the first player from his country to finish a season at the top of the ATP rankings.
Bergs reached the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals for the first time last year and is now aiming to match that achievement. He will face either defending champion Valentin Vacherot or Tommy Paul in the fourth round.
