Toronto Masters: Zverev halts defending champion Popyrin to reach semi-finals

Toronto often spells trouble for top seeds. But this time, Alexander Zverev held firm. Up against a resilient Alexei Popyrin — the defending champion in Canada — the German was dragged into a fierce battle before finally booking his spot in the last four. After a tight first set where he squandered two set points — the second followed by a frustrated yell echoing through the Aviva Centre — Zverev managed to turn things around with calm and composure.

“I stayed calm, and that made all the difference,” he said in his post-match press conference. “In matches like this, it’s all about the mental game. Physically, I was ready — I just had to hang in there.”

The world No. 3, top seed in the absence of both Alcaraz and Sinner, responded with poise. He broke Popyrin right at the start of the second set, held firm when the Australian drew level at 4-all, and maintained total control in the decider — losing just three points on serve in the final set. With 12 aces, 82% of points won behind his first serve, and three breaks of serve on six opportunities, it was a rock-solid performance: 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 in 2 hours and 44 minutes.

Zverev matches Dimitrov, continues climb back to the top

This win sends Zverev into his first Masters 1000 semi-final since winning the title in Paris last November, and only his second-ever at the Canadian Open — after lifting the trophy in Montreal in 2017. It also marks his 21st semi-final at this level, underlining his consistency near the top of the game over the last decade.

Zverev also notched his 155th career win in a Masters 1000 event, drawing level with Grigor Dimitrov — the highest tally for any player born in the 1990s.

“I know how much these tournaments matter. They’re the biggest events outside the Grand Slams,” Zverev added. “Winning so many matches shows that I’ve been in the mix for a long time.”

That consistency is fueled by work done away from the spotlight, too: in July, Zverev spent a training week at the Rafa Nadal Academy under the watchful eye of Toni Nadal. A long-term collaboration might be on the table. “I loved that week, I really enjoyed it. I think Toni did too. You might see him around more next year.”

Popyrin running out of steam, Zverev unfazed by distractions

As for Alexei Popyrin, he once again proved he can raise his level on the big stage — but his legs gave out late in the match. It was his fourth loss in as many matches against Zverev, and ranked 26th before the tournament, he’s now expected to drop out of the Top 30 next Monday.

Late drama also marred the closing stages of the match. As Zverev was serving for victory, a spectator repeatedly tried to disrupt him with loud shouts. Security intervened quickly to remove the individual. A few points later, after sealing the win, Zverev made sure to wave the heckler off — a sarcastic “bye-bye” gesture that wrapped up the night.

Toronto Masters 1000, other last eight results (Aviva Centre, hard, USD 9.193.540, most recent results first):

• Alex De Minaur vs. Ben Shelton
• Andrey Rublev vs. Taylor Fritz
• Alex Michelsen vs. Karen Khachanov