ATP Tour

Sinner, Zverev, Edberg among stars celebrated at ATP No. 1 Club Gala

Five decades of tennis greatness came together Friday evening at the ATP No. 1 Club Gala, where the players who have reached the summit of men's tennis were celebrated ahead of the Nitto ATP Finals.

Held at Inalpi Arena, the event brought together 12 former and current World No. 1s from different generations, led by Ilie Nastase, the first player to reach No. 1 when the PIF ATP Rankings were introduced in 1973, and Alexander Zverev, the 30th and most recent member to reach the top of the sport.

They were joined by Mats Wilander, Stefan Edberg, Thomas Muster, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Marat Safin, Gustavo Kuerten, Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner.

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi opened the evening before each of the attending World No. 1s was introduced and invited to reflect on their journey to the top of the game. The conversations offered a fascinating insight into the different eras in which the players competed, with stories of their biggest achievements, the challenges they faced and the experiences that connect generations of champions.

Footage from the ATP's docuseries ACES: The ATP No. 1 Club was also shown throughout the evening, prompting further discussion and questions among the players.

There was a series of special video messages and questions from prominent figures across sport and entertainment. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli sent a message to the players, while basketball great Dirk Nowitzki, ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, golf icon Jack Nicklaus, former footballer Sergio Ramos and adventurer Bear Grylls each posed questions to the World No. 1s in attendance.

There were also messages from fellow ATP No. 1 Club members Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal. Darren Cahill, Sinner's long-time coach who helped steer him to the top but is stepping away from his role, was also present, and spoke about what helps make World No. 1s and asked former charge Hewitt about coaching his son, Cruz Hewitt.

The evening continued with tournament representatives joining the conversations. Karim Alami asked a question of Stefan Edberg, Paolo Lorenzi asked one of Medvedev and Tommy Robredo recalled old memories of Ferrero, adding further insight into the careers and experiences of three players who reached the top of the sport in different generations.

The partners who made the ATP No. 1 Club Gala possible were Brunello Cucinelli, Stella Artois, Lexus, Haier, PIF and Taittinger.

Launched in Turin two years ago, the ATP No. 1 Club continues to recognise and celebrate every player who has reached World No. 1, with Friday's gala representing the latest chapter in a wider programme of initiatives. Alongside events such as the gathering in Turin, the Club has brought its members' stories to fans through the ACES: The ATP No. 1 Club docuseries and a commemorative book published in partnership with Phaidon, with further celebrations to come.