Toronto Recap: Zverev’s 500th, Popyrin’s Canadian Dream, Musetti Collapses
Zverev joins the 500 club, Popyrin stuns Medvedev, and Michelsen takes down Musetti: it was a wild night in Toronto.
Toronto 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
A night full of twists and turns in Toronto. Alexander Zverev recorded the 500th win of his career after a hard-fought battle against Matteo Arnaldi. Alexei Popyrin pulled off a major upset by eliminating Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling contest. Meanwhile, Alex Michelsen came from behind to beat Lorenzo Musetti in a frustrating match for the Italian. Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Karen Khachanov, Francisco Cerúndolo and rising American Learner Tien also secured their spots in the round of 16.
Popyrin loves Canada
The adventure continues for defending champion Alexei Popyrin, who still believes in the back-to-back dream. In an epic match, the Australian defeated Daniil Medvedev 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. On paper, Medvedev was the clear favorite, but the Russian gradually lost control as Popyrin imposed his aggressive game plan: powerful serving, constant net approaches, and fearless initiative in rallies.
Popyrin seems tailor-made for the Masters 1000 stage. This marks his 10th win over a Top 20 player in the last 12 months at this level of tournament (10 wins, 2 losses). A stunning stat that contrasts with his much more modest record outside of Masters 1000 events (1 win, 5 losses).
Next up, he’ll face Holger Rune, who cruised past Alexandre Müller 6-2, 6-4 in just over an hour.
Zverev reaches win No. 500
Alexander Zverev had to dig deep to overcome young Italian Matteo Arnaldi. After dropping a tight opening set in a tiebreak, the German raised his level and ultimately prevailed 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2.
This 500th career victory makes him the second youngest player in history to reach the milestone, trailing only Novak Djokovic. More than just symbolic, this success could signal the real start of his North American summer. With Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz absent, Zverev has a golden opportunity to step up as the main contender — and perhaps become the long-awaited “third man”.
The world No. 3 will now face Francisco Cerúndolo in the next round, a player he has never beaten — though this will be their first meeting on hard court.
Musetti collapses: another setback on hard court
A key player during the clay season, Lorenzo Musetti had a frustrating night in Toronto. Facing Alex Michelsen, the Italian started strong, taking the first set and even earning a break point early in the second. But he failed to convert it, and the match slipped into a tiebreak — which he lost.
Despite a promising start to the decider (up 2-0), Musetti gradually faded — physically and, above all, mentally. The match got away from him: 3-6, 7-6, 6-4. A familiar scenario when he steps onto a hard court. For all his flair and talent, the Tuscan has yet to reach the second week of a Grand Slam on this surface.
Apart from a single loss to Carlos Alcaraz, Musetti has been unbeaten on clay this season. But his North American swing is off to a timid start.
Ruud-Khachanov: a clash worth watching
Casper Ruud booked his place in the last 16 with a composed win over Portugal’s Nuno Borges (7-5, 6-4). Strong on serve and steady from the baseline, the Norwegian avoided a potential trap against a tricky opponent. He’s off to a solid start in Canada, a tournament he missed last year due to a pre-event withdrawal.
On his end, Karen Khachanov had to fight to overcome an inspired Emilio Nava (6-7[6], 6-4, 6-1). The Russian now sets up a much-anticipated round-of-16 clash with Ruud — their third career meeting, with Khachanov still chasing a first win.
It’s a rematch of their 2022 US Open semifinal, won by Ruud, and it promises another intense battle on North American hard courts.
Tien and Michelsen: two young Americans on the rise
Still in the shadow of established names like Shelton, Fritz, and Tiafoe, the next generation of American talent is starting to make its mark. In Toronto, Learner Tien and Alex Michelsen, aged 19 and 20 respectively, will face off in an all-American round of 16 clash in the top half of the draw.
Tien impressed by defeating compatriot Reilly Opelka (7-6, 6-3), while Michelsen’s comeback win over Musetti highlighted his growing poise on big stages. These two performances are a timely reminder that North America remains a breeding ground for promising young players, especially during a summer swing that feels like home to them.
