Archive of posts tagged Toronto

Top-Seeded Zverev Dethrones Defending-Champion Popyrin for 75th Semifinal in Toronto

Posted by on

By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, August 4, 2025
Photo credit: Peter Power/Tennis Canada/National Bank Open Facebook

Popping with physicality, Alexander Zverev unleashed a series of kangaroo hops behind the baseline more than two hours into tonight’s match.

Showing spring in his steps and sting on his shots, Zverev dethroned defending National Bank Open champion Alexei Popyrin 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 to bounce into a historic semifinal. 

Tennis Express One Day Sale
Tennis Express One Day Sale

The top-seeded Zverev snapped Popyrin’s nine-match winning streak at the Canadian Open creating history for the second time in the tournament. 

Zverev, who rallied to his 500th career victory on Thursday, advanced to his 75th career Tour-level semifinal, including his 21st ATP Masters 1000 final four, tonight. 

The former Olympic gold-medal champion joins reigning gold-medal champion Novak Djokovic (196) as just the second active man to reach 75 career semifinals.

The 27-year-old German, who won the 2017 Montreal title, will play either 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov or 20-year-old American Alex Michelsen for a spot in the Toronto final.

A tense opening set saw each man save a break point before drama spiked in the tiebreaker. 

In a topsy-turvy tiebreaker, Popyrin seized a 5-3 lead only to see Zverev reel off three points in a row for a set point at 6-5. 

A diagonal forehand from the Aussie drew a backhand error for 6-all. Popyrin held a set point at 7-6, but Zverev slid a serve down the T to save it. 

The top seed held a second set point at 8-7 but netted a forehand return off a second serve, erupting in a primal scream of anguish. 

Popyrin crashed a 139 mph ace down the T—his eighth ace—for a second set point at 9-8. Popyrin showed his guts attacking behind a forehand down the line then tapped a half volley that kissed the top of the tape and dribbled over to end a tight first set. 

Popyrin raised both hands in apology, taking a one set lead after 1 hour, 11 minutes of play.

Resetting, Zverev held to start the second set then gained the first break of the night on a series of miscues from the Aussie. Popyrin sailed a forehand and double faulted deep ceding the break and a 2-0 second-set lead. 

Zverev stamped his second love hold of the match extending his advantage to 3-0. 

Seemingly in control of the set at 4-2, Zverev’s forehand failed him in the seventh game. The German decelerated slapping a forehand into the net—his third forehand error of the game—gifting the champion the love break as Popyrin crept closer at 3-4. 

Stepping into the court and putting his body weight behind the ball, Zverev lashed a forehand down the line for triple set point in the 10th game. Though Popyrin saved the first set point, he tried the serve-and-volley and pushed a makeable forehand volley wide as Zverev snatched the second set with his second break after one hour, 58 minutes.

An increasingly weary-looking Popyrin opened the court with a wide serve but pushed his favored forehand wide to face a break point. Popyrin sailed a backhand wide ending a sloppy game to gift Zverev the break and a 2-0 lead in the final set. 

A pumped-up Zverev pulled off the shot of the match—a superb full-stretch flying forehand volley winner to help him hold at 15 for a 3-0 lead.

Serving with command in the final set, Zverev served 70 percent and won 15 of 15 first-serve points. Impressive, especially considering one idiot in the crowd was screaming in distraction as the German’s ball toss went up in the final game. The disruptor elicited a double-fault, but credit Toronto security for finding the unruly fan and escorting him out of the stadium.

Zverev closed in two hours, 42 minutes pausing to turn and wave bye bye to the second of the stadium where the disruptor was sitting.

Belgrade ATP moves to Athens because of Novak Djokovic

Posted by on

Athens

ATP has made surprising announcement in these hours. The Belgrade Open – scheduled from 2 to 8 November – has been moved from the Serbian capital to Athens (Greece) and will be held at the legendary OAKA Basketball Arena, where Panathinaikos usually plays. Given that this tournament is run by Novak Djokovic's family, it is not difficult to speculate that the talks between the 24-time Grand Slam champion and current Serbian president Vucic are behind this decision.

The former world No.1 is set to move to Greece immediately after the US Open – which will take place in New York from August 24 to September 7 – and is expected to play in Athens in November, at least according to Serbian media reports.

The Serbian legend spent his holidays in Croatia and Greece after the defeat against Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Wimbledon Championships and is expected to return to action at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, after deciding to skip the Canadian Open that is being played in Toronto these days.

Latest news on Djokovic

Nole's main goal is to be at the top of his shape for the start of the last Major of the season, in which he will try to triumph for the fifth time in his career. The 38-year-old from Belgrade has reached the semifinals in the three Grand Slam tournaments played so far this season, but struggles to compete against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the best five-set matches.

Novak had a small muscle issue during Wimbledon and was not at the top of his shape against Sinner, but he is perfectly aware that his body cannot support him as in the past at this point in his career.

Djokovic's last triumph in a Major dates back to the 2023 edition of the US Open, when he defeated Ben Shelton in the semifinals and Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Alex de Minaur breaks silence on the tough conditions in Toronto

Posted by on

Alcaraz

Alex de Minaur has further raised his level since the beginning of this season and is giving his best to win important titles, although he is still missing something compared to the top players who occupy the top positions of the ATP rankings. The Australian ace has also improved on red clay and grass, but there is no doubt that the surface on which he is most dangerous are the hard courts.

In particular, he is at ease at the Toronto Masters 1000 where he reached the final two years ago. In that edition, Alex played some really sparkling tennis before surrendering to Jannik Sinner who has always beaten him on the professional tour. The Aussie talent reached the quarterfinals this year and can really dream of making it to the bottom considering that Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic and Draper are missing.

The current world number 8 will face American star Ben Shelton for a place in the semifinals and will certainly have his chances, although on the other side of the net there is a very dangerous player on such a fast surface (thanks to his serve and forehand).

De Minaur doesn't complain

Several players have complained about the conditions in Toronto this year, saying that the surface is too quick and it's not easy to control your shots.

In this regard, de Minaur wanted to express his honest opinion during his last press conference: "Whatever the conditions are in a given tournament, I always try not to complain. I don't have the ability to change things, which is why my complaints will not help me to get a better result. I always try to go as far as possible by facing the various situations with the weapons I have available, I can't do anything else. I know that many players did not feel comfortable on these courts, but for me you have to find a way to get to the finish line."

A potential triumph in Ontario would give Alex further confidence ahead of the US Open.

Ben Shelton edges Flavio Cobolli ahead of post-match Toronto drama

Posted by on

Ben Shelton

World no. 7 Ben Shelton will compete in his fourth Masters 1000 quarter-final in Toronto. A left-hander faced Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round and notched a tight 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 victory in two hours and 24 minutes.

It was their fourth duel, and the American collected his second win after a post-match drama. Cobolli did not like Shelton's acting in the tie break, although they settled everything after taking for a minute.

The Italian led 5-3 in the third set and serve for the win in game ten. He lost serve in the decisive moment and faced a match point at 5-6. He saved it, but Ben dominated the tie break to remain on the title course.

Shelton claimed three points more. He played against ten break points and suffered three breaks. It was not enough for Flavio to bring the victory home, serving at only 45% and losing serve three times.

They sprayed 90 unforced errors. The American fired 17 service winners more than the Italian, who had the upper hand from the baseline. A left-hander had the advantage in the shortest and most extended rallies.

However, it all came down to his late break and a stellar performance in the tie break. Ben made a strong start, landing a volley winner in the fourth game for a break and a 3-1 advantage. 

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The favorite served for the set at 5-3 and suffered a break at 15 after the rival's forehand winner. Instead of building on that, Flavio played a wild forehand at 4-5, dropping serve again and allowing his rival to wrap up the opener.

The Italian raised his level in the second set. He drew Shelton's mistake in the third game and received a medical timeout during the break. They served well by the end of the set, and Cobolli landed an ace at 5-4 to introduce a decider.

Carried by this boost, Flavio wasted game points early in the final set before earning a break at 15 at 2-2 after Ben's routine forehand error. The Italian provided two fine holds and opened a 5-3 gap. 

Ben Shelton & Flavio Cobolli, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton & Flavio Cobolli, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Cobolli served for the win at 5-4 and sprayed a forehand error, losing serve and missing a chance to earn a notable win. Flavio served to stay in the encounter at 5-6 and denied a match point after Ben's careless forehand. 

The set went into a tie break, and the American kept his composure. Shelton secured two early mini-breaks for a 3-0 advantage and provided two more mini-breaks for 6-1 and five match points. 

A left-hander seized the first with a booming serve, sealing the deal and reaching the quarter-final.

Alexei Popyrin warns Alexander Zverev ahead of their clash in Toronto

Posted by on

Alexander Zverev

Alexei Popyrin has a very special feeling with the Canadian Open, which takes place in Toronto in this edition. The Australian ace surprised the world in Montreal last season, when he won the first Masters 1000 title of his career by beating Russian star Andrey Rublev in the final.

There is no doubt that the numerous absences among the top players have facilitated Alexei's run again this year, but it must be admitted that he is managing the pressure well and has reached the quarterfinals with full merit. The defending champion defeated both former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev and young Danish star Holger Rune, demonstrating remarkable mental strength even when the situation was not good for him.

Popyrin will face Zverev

His next opponent will be No.1 seed Alexander Zverev, who will compete for a spot in the semifinals in Ontario. The German champion has enormous pressure in this tournament, because most fans and insiders expect him to lift the trophy given the absences of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

However, Sascha will need to play his best tennis if he wants to defeat Popyrin in this tournament. During his last press conference, the Australian player confessed that he feels really comfortable in Canada: "I feel like I can play my best tennis here, even if at the beginning of the tournament I was quite nervous because I knew I had to defend the title I won last year. I'm playing without pressure now and my level is very high, which is why I'll face the next match with serenity and confidence.

I completely forgot about having to defend 1000 points, I just want to play and have fun. The conditions are favorable for my game, because the court is quite fast and gets even faster when it's hot. During the day it's harder to control the ball, but in the evening everything is perfect."

The match between Popyrin and Zverev could be very uncertain than expected.

De Minaur: Making Case to USTA for US Open Mixed Wild Card With Boulter

Posted by on

By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 3, 2025
Photo credit: Katie Boulter Instagram

The couple that plays together stays together.

Alex de Minaur calls playing mixed doubles with fiancé Katie Boulter at Wimbledon one his career highlights.

That’s one reason why the Washington, D.C. champion is making the case to the USTA for a wild card for he and Boulter into this month’s US Open Mixed Doubles.

Alex de Minaur

“Yeah, a hundred percent. I mean, look, I think we’re doing our best to put a really good case forward to hopefully get that wild card,” de Minaur told the media in Toronto today after edging Frances Tiafoe for his seventh straight win. “Yeah, I mean, one of the most enjoyable moments I’ve had on a tennis court was playing Wimbledon mixed doubles with her.”

The USTA released the current roster of teams for the new US Open Mixed doubles tournament, which will be staged for the first time during fan week, the week before singles main-draw play begins.

Here’s a look at the teams currently set to play:

Frances Tiafoe

There are currently two open spots remaining and de Minaur is hoping he and Boulter will be given a wild card to fill one of them.

“It was pretty damn cool [to play with Boulter], so I would love to go back and, yeah, play again,” de Minaur said today. “And to play such an exciting event with the world’s best tennis players would be pretty cool. So hopefully they give us a chance to do that, and I don’t know, I mean, yeah, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

 

Shelton Takes Out Cobolli In Heated Toronto Affair

Posted by on

Tempers flared, tension mounted, and Shelton soared.

Ben Shelton found himself a break down in the third set against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli on Sunday night in Toronto, but the American dug himself out of the hole to defeat his adversary, 6-4 4-6 7-6(1).

In the process Shelton earned his 100th career win, and the 22-year-old advances to face Alex de Minaur in his fourth career Masters 1000 quarterfinal as he seeks his first trip to a semifinal at this level.

With the win Shelton becomes the the 8th man born in 21st century reach 100 wins, and the 9th active American man to achieve the feat.

Tennis Express player gear
Tennis Express player gear

“I think I was really mentally tough tonight,” Shelton later told the media. “I got to give credit to Flavio, he did a lot of things throughout the match that made it difficult. I thought he played very well. He’s really fast, neutralizes a lot of things that I do well, and that’s always a tough matchup for me, so just happy to come through it.”

The battle intensified down the stretch, as Shelton rallied from 5-3 down to level up and force a breaker with the 23-year-old.

It wasn’t exactly clear what Cobolli had done, but when the pair met as the match concluded, Shelton called out the Italian for a gesture that he made. Cobolli and Shelton had a long discussion, with Cobolli saying it wasn’t directed at Shelton, as he also said that he was simply voicing frustration at himself for squandering a lead.

“He just made a gesture in the tiebreaker in asked him about it. He said it wasn’t towards me so we’re cool,” Shelton said on court after the match.

The American was pressed about the issue again in his post-match interview and said: “He said it wasn’t towards me. We’re good. We talked about it in the locker room, so I’m not going to answer any more questions about that. There’s no story, we’re good, that’s it.”

Cobolli seemed to have the match in hand, serving at 5-4, 15-0 in the final set, but his luck went south from there. The Italian double faulted to give Shelton two break points and the American converted the second as Cobolli missed a forehand wide to take the score to 5-all.

He held in the next game to lead 6-5, and even though he squandered a match point in the 12th game, Shelton dominated the ensuing tiebreak to close out the win in 2:24.

“I was able to get a second chance by holding my serve and getting to the point where he had to serve it out,” he said. “It’s not always easy, especially on a night like this where it’s windy and not as hot, not bouncing as high as it is during the day, to serve out sets in matches. Same with me in the first set. I got broke serving for the set, and then he got broke trying to serve to stay in it.

“It was a nervy match and it was difficult, I think kind of after getting through that game and, you know, being able to bring my energy level back to where I wanted it to be at, and to get a confident hold at 5-all was huge for me.”

Popyrin Stops Rune, Keeps Title Defense Hopes Alive in Toronto

Posted by on

Alexei Popyrin north of the US border? That’s a good thing for the 25-year-old Aussie, who rallied past Holger Rune on Saturday night in Toronto to stretch his winning streak in Canada to nine victories, 4-6 6-2 6-3.

After the match he signed the camera “I love Canada X 2”.

Tennis Express player gear
Tennis Express player gear

Last year’s champion in Montreal reached his second Masters quarterfinal of 2025, and his fourth overall as he took out the 22-year-old World No.9 with an inspired effort.

“I just feel comfortable on these courts, I think the surface is a little bit quicker,” Popyrin said. “I don’t know if it makes sense, but it lets me have a little bit more time on the court, because I hit my first aggressive shot and I can dictate from there.”

Popyrin hit 30 winners against 24 unforced errors; Rune hit 24 winners and 39 unforced.

Ranked 26 and seeded 18 in Toronto, Popyrin has now won consecutive matches against former Top-5 players.

The Aussie went 0 for 11 in break opportunities in the opening set, but converted three break points across the final two sets to level his lifetime head-to-head with Rune at one apiece.

“After the first set I was pissed,” Popyrin said. “But when I came back out to return again, it felt like I was in control of the match. I told myself to be aggressive on the next break point that I got, and from then on I felt quite comfortable.”

Popyrin, who toppled former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev in the third round, is into his first hard court quarterfinal since he claimed the title in Montreal last year, defeating Andrey Rublev in the final.

He will face either top-seeded Alexander Zverev or Francisco Cerundolo in the last eight.

Popyrin saved a pair of break points while serving at 3-1 in the third, after breaking in the previous game. He didn’t look back from there, winning 12 of the final 15 points and breaking Rune again for good measure in the final game.

Holger Rune shares his frustration after his loss in Toronto

Posted by on

Alexei Popyrin

There were huge expectations on Holger Rune in this edition of the Toronto Masters 1000, where the young Danish ace could benefit from the absence of several top players such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper. The former world number 4 had started his run well in Canada and seemed to be able to go far in this tournament, but was eliminated by Alexei Popyrin in the round of 16.

The winner of the 2022 Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 lost to a very dangerous player on this surface, who is capable of shining at the 'Canadian Open' considering that he lifted the trophy in Montreal a year ago, but Rune showed all his weaknesses once again.

The former Top 5 player had the chance to practice alongside a legend like Andre Agassi before the start of the North American tournaments, but ruled out that the American will follow him around the world as he already has a very busy schedule.

Rune lost again

The feeling is that Holger needs new stimuli at this stage of his career, which has entered a stagnant phase and there do not seem to be effective solutions for the moment. With the exception of excellent performances in Indian Wells (where he reached the final) and Barcelona (where he lifted the trophy), Rune's 2025 has not been satisfactory so far and his results in Grand Slam tournaments have been far below expectations.

During his latest press conference in Toronto, the Danish star confided that he was quite disappointed: "I didn't play my best tennis and it was a disappointing performance, there's not much more to add. I didn't express the level I wanted, I struggled with my serve and I didn't feel comfortable on court. I have to adopt better strategies during matches and select my shots in a better way. When I can make this improvement, then my results will improve."

Rune's next tournament will be the Cincinnati Masters 1000, scheduled for August 7-18.

FITP president Angelo Binaghi discusses Jannik Sinner's legacy

Posted by on

Angelo

The rise of Jannik Sinner has contributed to the greatest extent to the success of Italian tennis, which has entered a new dimension after so many years of anonymity. The current world number 1 has recently become the first Italian player ever to triumph at Wimbledon, a truly exceptional achievement that represents the result of a long journey made by him and his team.

The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is undoubtedly the best player in the world together with Carlos Alcaraz, with whom he is creating an electrifying rivalry, and he is never satisfied by always looking for new ways to improve his game. The four-time Grand Slam champion can win one of the best tennis players of all time if he continues to work in this way and his focus is already directed towards the US Open scheduled in New York at the end of the summer.

Binaghi pays tribute to Sinner 

After choosing to skip the Toronto Masters 1000, Jannik is set to return to action in Cincinnati, a tournament where he won last year despite all the stress associated with his doping case. Sinner's goal is to refine his shape in view of the US Open, the last Major of the season, in which he will have to defend his title.

In an interview with 'Sky Sport Italy' during an event, FITP president Angelo Binaghi paid tribute to the current world number 1: "In addition to being an extraordinary champion that the whole world envies us, Jannik transmits a positive example and improves the image of Italy abroad. He is a boy of humble origins from a family of sound principles, which taught him the right values. When he gets a huge win, his first thought is back to work to improve even more. He has become the driving force behind an entire generation of young talent."

The Italian star also wants to shine in the second half of the season, in which there are tournaments that are very suitable for his game. It is no coincidence that Jannik had been dominant in the last months of the year in both 2023 and 2024.

Michelsen Tops Tien, Will face Khachanov for Toronto Semifinal Spot

Posted by on

By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, August 2, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty

In a clash of friendly fire, Alex Michelsen played clean first-strike tennis to take good friend Learner Tien down.

Michelsen broke Tien in his opening service game of both sets sparking a 6-3, 6-3 sweep in a match of talented Californians in Toronto today.

Alex Michelsen

The 20-year-old Michelsen, who toppled 10th-ranked Lorenzo Musetti in the prior round, advance to his 15th career quarterfinal and first Masters 1000 quarterfinal.

It’s a milsetone moment for Michelsen, who led start to finish. Michelsen is the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinalist since a 20-year-old Sebastian Korda made the last eight at 2021 Miami. He’s the youngest U.S. man to reach the National Bank Open quarterfinals since a 20-year-old Andy Roddick took the title 22 years ago.

Aggressive baseline play from Michelsen combined with some uncharacteristically sloppy shotmaking from Tien was the difference today. Michelsen converted four of 10 break points in an 80 minute victory for his sixth quarterfinal of the 2025 season.

The 34th-ranked Michelsen will face Karen Khachanov for a spot in the final four.

Khachanov cracked 29 winners in a 6-4, 7-5 victory over former US Open finalist Casper Ruud.

The 11th-seeded Khachanov broke three times in a 93-minute victory.

Khachanov beat Ruud for the first time in three meetings and snapped an 11-match losing streak vs. Top 20 opponents. It was Khachanov’s first win over a Top 20 opponent since he beat Grigor Dimitrov at the Paris Indoors last October.

The hard-hitting Khachanov has dropped just one set in three tournament victories.

Michelsen won his lone prior meeting vs. Khachanov with an impressive 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-2 sweep at the Australian Open last January.

ATP ace Andrey Rublev blasts fast courts in Toronto

Posted by on

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Andrey Rublev has certainly raised his level compared to recent months and his new collaboration with Marat Safin is helping him to find good feelings in view of the US Open scheduled for the end of the summer. The Russian ace had already put in a series of good performances during the Wimbledon Championships, where he had also put world number 2 Carlos Alcaraz in trouble by losing in four sets in the round of 16.

The player from Moscow also reached the round of 16 at the Toronto Masters 1000, after defeating Hugo Gaston in his debut and Italian star Lorenzo Sonego in the third round. Andrey – who reached the final in Montreal last year – made an excellent comeback against Sonego showing that he has recovered mental strength, but further tests will be needed to understand the real consistency of the Russian.

His next opponent will be Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who is playing very well at the moment and has no intention of stopping there. Rublev occupies the 11th position in the ATP ranking at the moment, but he is very close to the tenth position held by Lorenzo Musetti (who has already been eliminated by Alex Michelsen) and will overtake him by passing the next round.

Rublev does not like these courts

Meanwhile, the former Top 10 player gave a long interview to 'Tennis Channel' in which he highlighted how these courts leave little room for tactics and strategy.

As a spectator, I enjoy watching tennis on slower courts a lot more," the Russian champion revealed. "A lot of people think of Wimbledon courts as quite fast, but grass is a surface that allows you to play longer rallies and make the transition from defense to attack. There is more room for strategy and you can change tactics in relation to the score. It takes more intelligence and athletic fitness to prevail on those fields.

The situation is very different on hard courts. I watched the match between Medvedev and Popyrin and there were very few rallies from baseline. Although Daniil was in action, the point ended with the serve and another shot in most cases."

Ben Shelton survives Brandon Nakashima challenge in Toronto

Posted by on

Ben

Ben Shelton had to dig deep in the third round of the Canada Masters in Toronto. The 4th seed faced his compatriot Brandon Nakashima and prevailed 6-7, 6-2, 7-6 in two hours and 36 minutes for a place in the last 16.

World no. 7 squandered set points and dropped a tight opener. Ben took charge and dominated the second set before erasing the deficit early in the third. Brandon saved two match points on serve at 4-5 before a left-hander sealed the deal in the tie break. 

Shelton fired 19 aces and eight double faults. The better-ranked player struggled behind the second serve but denied three of four break points. He clinched three breaks and prevailed in the closing stages to remain on the title course.

Ben went for his shots and landed 46 winners and 47 unforced errors. Nakashima stayed on a 19-30 ratio and struggled to follow the opponent's 46 unreturned serves. They stayed neck and neck from the baseline and at the net.

Both players served well in the opening set, providing 12 fine holds and embracing a thrilling tie break. There were only two mini-breaks in the opening 17 points, which we do not see very often.

Brandon denied a set point at 5-6 with a volley winner at the net and earned a set point at 7-6. Shelton saved it with a booming ace and landed a forehand winner for a set point. 

Brandon Nakashima & Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Brandon Nakashima & Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Nakashima saved it with a service winner for 8-8 and earned his second set point. Shelton sprayed a backhand error in the 18th point, losing the opener after 59 minutes.

World no. 7 saved two break points in the second set and kept the pressure on the other side. He provided an early break in the second game and another at 5-2 after the rival's backhand error, closing the set and forcing a decider after an hour and 37 minutes.

Nakashima opened it with a break before losing serve in he fourth game after a forced error. Brandon made another push on the return at 3-3 and landed a volley winner for a break chance. 

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Ben denied it with a powerful serve and held to remain on the positive side. Nakashima faced the ultimate test at 4-5 after playing against two match points. He saved them and held for 5-5 and more drama. 

The set went into a tie break, and Shelton provided three mini-breaks in the first seven points, forging a 5-2 advantage with a volley winner at the net. He generated three match points and seized the last with an unreturned serve. 

Alexander Zverev sounds off on two-week Masters format, calls out ATP bosses

Posted by on

Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev reveals he is not a fan of two-week Masters tournaments and suggests the ATP made the schedule harder for players instead of making it easier after repeated calls to make changes to what many think is a pretty crowded calendar.

In the past, Indian Wells and Miami were the only Masters tournaments longer than a week. In recent years, several other tournaments from the 1000-category became a 10-day or 12-day events, with Monte Carlo and Paris remaining as the only tournaments from the category that take a week to finish. 

Zverev, who turned 28 in April and has been around for long enough to know the difference between the past and the new format, doesn't think the idea is great at all. 

Zverev: I think all the players loved the old Masters format…

During his appearance on the Nothing Major Show, the German tennis star noted that Masters tournaments are mandatory and that seven of the nine tournaments from the category last for more than a week. Then, the three-time Grand Slam finalist declared Monte Carlo and Paris as "the best two weeks on the ATP Tour."

“I mean, I won it, which was even more awesome for me, but you get there, you play your five matches, and you get out of there. You do not have to stick around or practice in between matches. That is how Masters events used to be and I think all the players loved it. Now the ATP has made four mandatory 500 events for you to play, which used to be three, now it’s four. So you don’t get under 20 events except if you are pulling out of the big events," Zverev added.

To Zverev's defense, some of his colleagues have also spoken out against the new format, arguing that there is no need for a Masters tournament to take longer than a week and that it only makes the calendar harder. But on the other side, some also defended the new format, arguing that a usual day off between matches helps a lot to regenerate for the next match. 

Meanwhile, Zverev is playing at the ongoing 1000-level event in Toronto, where he is due to meet Francisco Cerundolo in the round-of-16.

“It Hasn’t Been Great” – Pegula Bothered by ‘Sloppy” Tennis

Posted by on

It’s just about time for Jessica Pegula to return to the scene of her first major final. The World No.4 would like to head to the 2025 US Open with a little wind beneath her wings, but at the moment she can’t seem to get her feet off the ground.

The Buffalo native produced another head-scratching effort against 386-ranked Anastasija Sevastova on Friday in Montreal, dropping 12 of the final 15 games to make it just one win in four matches since the start of Wimbledon.

“It hasn’t been great, to be honest. I don’t really feel like I’m playing great tennis.”

— Jessica Pegula

Pegula was the two-time defending champion in Canada this week, but could not summon the confidence that took her to titles in Montreal in 2023 and Toronto last year.

For Pegula, who played and lost the final to Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open last year, it simply isn’t good enough.

Tennis Express player gear
Tennis Express player gear

“It hasn’t been great, to be honest,” the 31-year-old said on Friday in Montreal. “I don’t really feel like I’m playing great tennis. At times I am, but I feel very up and down, kind of sloppy, which I don’t like. It really bothers me. I’m kind of a perfectionist, so I don’t like having to say that.

“I feel like I’ve gone through phases in my career, a few tournaments, where I feel like that sometimes, and you have to figure out how to get out of it and not feel sorry for yourself or make excuses. I’ve got figure it out.”

Pegula still has time to right the ship. She’ll head to the Cincinnati Open next week, hoping to build momentum ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.

She believes she needs to be a better problem solver, starting now.

“You have to do it in those moments in matches where you’re in that moment where you have to compete and figure things out,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve been able to do it great the last couple of matches, so hopefully going into Cincy I think that’s definitely going to be my main focus every single match is focusing on those big points and those big games because I do think I am playing some good tennis to get up in these matches, and there’s times where I’m reeling off six, seven really good games, and then it kind of falls away.

“So I’ve got to figure out how to kind of sustain that higher level against these good players.”

Carlos Alcaraz rejects Rafael Nadal successor label: 'We are not obliged'

Posted by on

Carlos

Carlos Alcaraz is the five-time Major champion at 22. The El Palmar's early success has drawn inevitable comparisons to his great compatriot and idol, Rafael Nadal.

Yet, the young gun is determined to forge his own identity, following that path since his arrival on the Tour. Frequently hailed as Nadal's heir, Alcaraz is grateful for the admiration but refuses to embrace that narrative.

Carlos does not want to see himself as Rafa's successor. He reflected on the great rivalries and great players we had in the past. However, he does not feel obligated to use the same path and mirror what they did.

While respectful of the legacy forged by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Carlos emphasized the importance of self-belief and individuality. 

The young gun is defending his ideas and philosophy, using it as a defensive mechanism against pressure. As he adds more trophies to his growing collection, Alcaraz remains focused on building a legacy that is entirely his own.

The Spaniard has been the player to beat since April. The 22-year-old has embraced six consecutive finals, conquering Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros and Queen's while falling in the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner.

Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot

 

The El Palmar native took a couple of weeks off the court after losing his first Major final in London. He withdrew from Toronto and hit the practice court ahead of his next stop. 

It's next week's Cincinnati Masters, his final preparation for the US Open. Carlos' goals? Another Major trophy in New York and the ATP throne taken from Jannik Sinner!

"I do not want to be seen as Rafa's successor. Tennis has always had great rivalries and great players. It's a privilege that people watch our matches in this way, with such enthusiasm.

In the end, we have no obligation to do what they did, far from it. If you do not defend your ideals and aspirations, that pressure can consume you. You have to know how to differentiate.

We try not to think about the pressure and, above all, to do as they did," Carlos Alcaraz said.

Evans Blasts “Pathetic” Davidovich Fokina Complaint

Posted by on

By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 1, 2025
Mubadala Citi DC Open Facebook

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina slammed ATP scheduling in Toronto.

Dan Evans delivered a stinging wake-up call to the Spaniard in response.

On his Instagram Stories, Evans called out Davidovich Fokina’s “pathetic” griping.

Reposting the Spaniard’s criticism, Evans posted “Wake up and play. The world wakes up and works 9-5 even 8-6. Pathetic.”

The Briton’s blunt response came after Davidovich Fokina, who suffered a gut-wrenching loss to Alex de Minaur in last week’s Washington, DC final, ripped the ATP scheduling his National Bank Open match for 11 a.m.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

“Every match starts at 12:30 p.m., except ours, which has been scheduled for 11 a.m.,” Davidovich Fokina wrote on Instagram Stories. “We’re staying one hour away from the club, which means that we have to wake up extremely early to arrive in good conditions. We asked for a change, but the answer was that everything was already sold: tickets, TV rights, etc. Once again, it’s clear that the players are not taken into consideration. The ATP always promises they’ll fix things, but nothing ever changes.”

Statisfaction: Zverev joins ATP 500 Club

Posted by on

Alexander Zverev has had a difficult season in 2025, but if we take a step back and look at the body of work of the German, we can see that he’s in the process of putting together a legendary career.

Tennis Express player gear
Tennis Express player gear

On Thursday in Toronto the 28-year-old became the fifth active player to record 500 ATP wins with his 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2 over Matteo Arnaldi at the National Back Open.

Zverev is the fifth active player to have reached the mark, joining:

  • Novak Djokovic (1,150)
  • Marin Cilic (593)
  • Gael Monfils (583)
  • Stan Wawrinka (580)

And he’s the third German man to hit 500 wins, along with Boris Becker (713) and Tommy Haas (569).

Perhaps most impressively is the fact that Zverev is the first man born 1990 or later to achieve the feat.

The German, who improved to 37-14 on the season with the win, will face Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16 in Toronto.

Montreal: Defending champ Jessica Pegula shocked by No. 386 after blowing big lead

Posted by on

Anastasija Sevastova

Defending Canadian Open champion Jessica Pegula is out of the Montreal third round after blowing a big lead and picking up a shock 6-3 4-6 1-6 loss to world No. 386 Anastasija Sevastova.

The American, seeded at No. 3 in Montreal, made a strong start as she claimed breaks in the first and ninth games to routinely take the opening set. Up by a set, the defending champion also won the first two games of the second set.

Leading by a set and a break, Pegula appeared to be heading toward a routine straight-set win. But then, Sevastova responded by stunningly winning the next four games. While the American managed to get the break back and level the set to four games apiece, she lost her serve again in the ninth game as the Latvian went 5-4 up before serving out for a decider in the following game.

After failing to capitalize on her early lead, Pegula's game completely collapsed as the world No. 386 won five games in a row from 1-1 in the third set to complete her shock comeback.

Sevastova collects her first top-10 win since beating Serena Williams & And who is her next Montreal rival?

By beating world No. 4 Pegula, Sevastova – a former world No. 11 – registered her first top-10 win since upsetting Serena Williams in the Billie Jean King Cup. 

For a place in the Montreal quarterfinal, Sevastova will play against Naomi Osaka, who defeated Jelena Ostapenko today. 

So far, they have met five times and Osaka leads their head-to-head 3-2. However, it should be noted that their last match came more than six years ago during the 2019 Australian Open. 

Holger Rune sliding into Veronika Kudermetova DM mentioned during Russian's match

Posted by on

Alexei Popyrin

Holger Rune was mentioned during the Coco Gauff and Veronika Kudermetova Montreal match after a Tennis Channel commentator brought up the Russian tennis player's recent claim that the Dane slid into her Instagram DM. 

Prior to the start of the Canadian Open, one of the things that made the headlines in the tennis world was an interesting but also fun one – during a recent podcast appearance, 28-year-old Kudermetova shared that Rune tried shooting his shot with her. According to the 42nd-ranked WTA player, she only pointed out to the Dane that she was married. 

"Rune recently texted me. I told him, 'Boy, I'm probably too old for you. If you looked at my Instagram, you’d see I have a husband.' He replied, 'Oh, sorry.' After that, he stopped saying hi to me," the Russian tennis player said.

A commentator brings up Kudermetova's Rune revelation live on air

On Thursday, the world No. 42 took on Gauff in the Montreal third round. And right at the start of the second game, one Tennis Channel commentator brought up the news that recently made all the headlines. 

“I don’t know if you heard about this tea… not tennis related, but there was news that Holger Rune apparently texted Kudermetova, and she said she was too old for him and married," a Tennis Channel commentator told her colleague on air. 

Unfortunately for the Russian, what looked like a big day for her ended in disappointment after she allowed Gauff to come back from a set and a break down and win 4-6 7-5 6-2. 

Meanwhile, the ninth-ranked Dane has been through to the Toronto Masters round-of-16, where he plays Alexei Popyrin.

Stefanos Tsitsipas slips in Toronto – Goran Ivanisevic out, struggles stay

Posted by on

Apostolo

Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to search for answers as his difficult season rolls on. The Greek ended his brief collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic after two tournaments, returning to a more familiar setup with his father, Apostolo, as head coach.  

However, the change has not provided the desired results, at least not in Toronto. World no. 30 lost in the second round to Christopher O'Connell 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in two hours and one minutes.

Thus, Stefanos extended a concerning trend: he has not managed to win back-to-back ATP matches since the ATP 500 event in Barcelona in April. For the moment, he remains in the top-30, although that may change quickly. 

The most recent loss at the sixth Masters 1000 event of the season further highlights the ongoing challenges Stefanos is facing. Despite efforts to reset his team and regain momentum, the Greek is playing miles below his best.

Tsitsipas worked with Ivanisevic during two early exits in Halle and Wimbledon. The question lingered about his openness to bring necessary changes and integrate new coaching voices.

While Goran could not stay his coach following his remarks about Stefanos' lack of will and his terrible physical shape, many questioned his decision to reunite with his father, as they had issues before.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Toronto 2025

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Tsitsipas will seek deeper runs in Cincinnati and New York, although it remains unclear how much can he offer with low confidence and ongoing back issues that threaten to end his career way before the 30th birthday.

Stefanos and Christopher struggled to find the first serve. The Greek stayed behind his rival on the second serve and gave serve away four times, three in the decider. The Aussie denied six of eight break points and sent the 2018 runner-up packing.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina blasts ATP scheduling in Toronto – Frustration at 11

Posted by on

Alejandro

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has publicly criticized the ATP for what he sees as unfair and inconsiderate scheduling. The Spaniard expressed frustration after being assigned an 11:00 a.m. match at the Canada Masters in Toronto. 

The recently-crowned top-20 player will open Friday's action alongside Jakub Mensik, an hour and a half earlier that all other matches that day, which are scheduled to begin at 12:30 or later!

Staying an hour away from the tournament venue, Alejandro emphasized the difficulty of preparing properly under such conditions. Davidovich Fokina's attempts to adjust the schedule were rejected.

The ATP cited tickets, TV rights and other logistical factors that prevent them from changing the schedule. The Spaniard argued that player well-being continues to be ignored, stating they are not taken into consideration. 

The Washington finalist pointed out the inconsistency in scheduling, highlighting that he and his rival have to start the match at 11:00 while there are many courts available to make the schedule more even and flexible.

In a strong closing lines of his statement, Alejandro claimed the ATP regularly makes empty promises to fix issues. However, they remain only on paper, as nothing ever changes.

His post offers a rare glimpse into the frustrations competitors face behind the scenes and major stadiums, admitting it's not as great at t looks from the outside!

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Alejandro wasted three match points against Alex de Minaur in a heartbreaking Washington final. The Spaniard cracked the top-20 with those points and defeated Corentin Moutet in the first match in Toronto. 

Davidovich Fokina will seek his spot in the last 16 against the Miami Open champion, Jakub Mensik.

"Today, I want to share my disappointment and frustration with ATP. Tomorrow, every match starts at 12:30 except ours, which has been scheduled at 11:00.

We are staying one hour away from the club, which means we have to wake up extremely early to arrive in good condition. We have asked for a change, but the answer was that everything has already been sold, including tickets and TV rights.

Once again, it's clear that players are not taken into consideration. Today, it happens to others, tomorrow it's me, and from the day after, all matches return to 12:30. There are plenty of available courts, and yet we are the only ones playing at 11:00.

The ATP always promises they will fix things, but nothing ever changes. This is not the first time it has happened, and when you are inside, you realize it's not as great as it looks from the outside," Alejandro Davidovich Fokina wrote.

Dan Evans rips 'pathetic' Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: World wakes up early and works

Posted by on

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Dan Evans had no sympathy at all for Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and his issues at the Toronto Masters, ripping his complaints about an early match schedule as "pathetic."

While Thursday action was ongoing in Toronto, the tournament organizers released their schedule for the next day.

And Davidovich Fokina, who is seeded at No. 20 and slated to play Jakub Mensik in the third round, wasn't happy a bit after seeing that his clash was scheduled for 11 AM local time – which is the earliest possible match schedule. The 26-year-old Spaniard took to social media to blast the ATP authorities. 

“Today I want to share my disappointment and frustration with the ATP. Tomorrow, every match starts at 12:30, except ours, which has been scheduled at 11:00. We’re staying one hour away from the club, which means we have to wake up extremely early to arrive in good condition. The ATP always promises they’ll fix things, but nothing ever changes. This isn’t the first time it happens, and when you’re inside, you realize that it is not as great as it looks from the outside," Davidovich Fokina wrote in the message.

Evans on Davidovich Fokina complaining about getting up very early: Pathetic

Evans, who is nine years older than Davidovich Fokina, literally had zero sympathy for the Spanish tennis player. Reacting to it through his Instagram account, the 35-year-old Briton pretty much told the 26-year-old he is in a privileged position and still complains. 

“Wake up and play. The world wakes up and works 9-5, even 8-6. Pathetic," Evans wrote.

This is not the first time that Evans has blasted players' complaints about the tennis schedule and calendar. In one of his interviews conducted earlier this summer, the two-time ATP champion suggested that some of his colleagues are hypocrites because they want to earn as much as possible but still complain about playing a lot. 

Meanwhile, Evans played at the Lexington Challenger this week, where he lost to Michael Zheng in the round-of-16. The 35-year-old has already appeared in 21 tournaments this year.

VAR Corrects Call on Ball Through the Net

Posted by on

By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, July 31, 2025
Photo credit: Tennis TV

The Toronto net gave way to a squeeze play.

A rare shot through the net escaped the chair umpire’s attention, but not the sharp eyes of Video Assistant Review.

During Gabriel Diallo’s 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Matteo Gigante at the National Bank Open on Wednesday, one of the Canadian’s drives went through the net and undetected by the chair umpire.

Watch Gigante successfully challenge the no-call and win the point when VAR showed the ball had indeed passed through the net right below the tape. Gigante won the call but ultimately lost the match.

Novak Djokovic chooses particular outfit for the US Open

Posted by on

Belgrade

The first part of the season was full of ups and downs for Novak Djokovic, who was able to raise his level in Grand Slam tournaments – where he always reached the semifinals – while suffering surprising eliminations in the other tournaments on the calendar.

It is no secret to anyone that the former world number 1 has as his main goal to become the oldest ever to win a Major title, an achievement that would allow him to steal the record from Ken Rosewall and definitively overtake Margaret Court by hoisting himself to 25 Slams.

However, young champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have a higher level than Nole nowadays and it is no coincidence that the Italian ace defeated the Serbian at both Roland Garros and the Wimbledon Championships a few weeks ago.

Nole's US Open outfit  

Most pundits and former players believe Novak has the next huge chance at the 2026 Australian Open, but the 38-year-old from Belgrade will try to pull off the feat as early as the US Open later this summer. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will only participate in the Cincinnati Masters 1000 before traveling to New York, where he last triumphed in 2023.

Djokovic chose to skip the Toronto Masters 1000 to recharge his batteries and has not resumed practicing yet, as he has been spotted on vacation in Croatia and Greece in recent days.

In the meantime, the total black outfit that the Serbian veteran will wear in the Big Apple has been unveiled. The former world No.1 hopes that this choice will bring him luck, after last year he was eliminated in the first week due to fatigue accumulated at the Paris Olympics.

The veteran from Belgrade will have to on a path that is not too hard and his body will not have to betray him.