ATP Masters 1000 Toronto: Zverev Knocks Out Defending Champion Popyrin, Khachanov Avenges Loss to Michelsen
On the night of August 4-5, the first quarterfinals of the Toronto Masters 1000 took place. On Center Court, Zverev faced Popyrin, while Khachanov went up against Michelsen.
After dropping the first set and nearly three hours of battle, Zverev prevailed against defending champion Popyrin (6-7, 6-4, 6-3). The German was efficient on serve (12 aces) and dominant behind his first delivery (82% of points won). Throughout the match, he converted half of his break opportunities (3/6).
With this latest victory, he reaches his 21st Masters 1000 semifinal—his second in Canada after 2017. Additionally, this marks his first Masters 1000 semifinal since his title run in Bercy last year. Meanwhile, Popyrin failed to defend the trophy he won in the previous edition. After his fifth consecutive loss to the world No. 3, the Australian will drop out of the top 30.
In the other quarterfinal, Khachanov overpowered Michelsen (85% of first-serve points won), capitalizing on his opponent’s lack of precision (40 unforced errors) and inefficiency (0/6 break points converted).
The 11th-seeded Russian confirmed his status by winning 6-4, 7-6 in under two hours. He also avenged his loss to the American in the third round of this year’s Australian Open. This marks his sixth Masters 1000 semifinal qualification.
Zverev and Khachanov will now meet in the semifinals. The two have faced off seven times, with the German holding a clear advantage (5-2). Their last duel was in the second round of Cincinnati last year, where Zverev won for the third straight time (6-3, 6-2).
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