Rublev Easily Defeats Gaston and Advances to the Third Round in Toronto
Benefiting from a first-round bye, Rublev began his Toronto campaign with a match against France's Gaston. Without much trouble, he secured a straight-sets victory (6-2, 6-3) to advance to the next round.
Despite earning five break point opportunities, the French player proved too inefficient in crucial moments (1/5). The issues stemmed from an unreliable serve (46% first serves in) and a return game lacking impact (40% of return points won).
The Russian, meanwhile, lived up to his No. 6 seed status and hopes to reach the Canadian tournament final once again after 2024. Since his Wimbledon Round of 16 exit, Rublev has stayed busy, competing in the ATP 250 in Los Cabos (semifinal loss) followed by the ATP 500 in Washington (first-round defeat). Having claimed the title in Doha and finished as runner-up in Hamburg, the 27-year-old is aiming for another standout performance in 2025.
For a spot in the Round of 16, he will face the winner of the match between Italy's Sonego and China's Bu, scheduled first on Court No. 4.
National Bank Open 
