Shapovalov, Sinner, Karatsev, Nishikori knocked out in Toronto as big names tumble

It wasn’t a good night for the most-tipped players in the National Bank Open

Jannik Sinner in Washington (Panoramic)

August 11, 2021

It was a bonfire of the seeds at the National Bank Open in Toronto as many of the top-ranked men, including fifth seed Denis Shapovalov and Citi Open winner Jannik Sinner tumbled out of the draw in ignominious fashion.

Fifth seed Denis Shapovalov was the highest seed to exit from the ATP Masters Series event on Wednesday as the local favourite went down to American lucky loser Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4.

Italy’s Jannik Sinner, seeded 16th, lost 6-3, 6-4 to James Duckworth of Australia. 19-year-old arrived in Canada having just won the title in Washington on Sunday.

Khachanov overcomes controversial umpire decision to upset Karatsev

My best attempt at relaying the SHITgate in Khachanov's match verbatim. Because yeah… pic.twitter.com/t9GEyavp8p
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) August 11, 2021

Aslan Karatsev, the 15th seed, lost 7-6(7), 6-4 to his compatriot Karen Khachanov. That was despite a lengthy period of controversy where Khachanov objected to the umpire punishing him for bad language on the court – and demanded to speak to the tournament supervisor.

Alex de Minaur, the 12th seed, was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, who defeated the in-form Jenson Brooksby in the previous round.

13th seed Cristian Garin was defeated by American John Isner 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 and Kei Nishikori – who was unseeded – withdrew from his match against Hubert Hurkacz before it began due to a shoulder injury.

Rublev and Schwartzman among the seeds who avoided the upset bug

Fourth seed Andrey Rublev and eighth seed Diego Schwartzman were among the seeds who managed to avoid the upset bug. The Russian defeated Fabio Fognini 7-6, 6-3 while Schwartzman defeated Frenchman Benoit Paire 7-5, 6-1.

Other seeds who advanced included 10th seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who overcame American Tommy Paul 6-3, 6-4, and 11th seed Gael Monfils defeated Aussie John Millman 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. South Africa’s Lloyd Harris, who defeated Rafael Nadal last week, also advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Spain’s Feliciano Lopez.