Tennis player Zverev beats Popyrin in a thrilling three-set match
In the bustling city of Toronto, the 2025 National Bank Open saw some thrilling quarterfinal matches unfold. One of the most anticipated clashes was between Alexander Zverev and Alexei Popyrin.
Zverev, the German tennis powerhouse, extended his dominance over Popyrin to 4-0 in their head-to-head record, securing a hard-fought victory on August 5 with a score of 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 [1]. However, it wasn't an easy ride for Zverev, as Popyrin, ranked No. 26, had other plans. Popyrin broke back and held for 4-4 in the second set, but Zverev responded with a decisive break to take the set.
Meanwhile, in the women's tournament, Victoria Mboko made history, reaching her first WTA Tour semifinal. Mboko, who is the youngest Canadian to reach the semifinals since Belinda Bencic in 2015, defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 [2]. Mboko's impressive form has seen her climb from No. 85 to at least No. 55 in the rankings, thanks to her 51-9 record [3].
Mboko's journey didn't end there, as she continued to surge, defeating her opponents with ease. Against higher-ranked opponents, Mboko has a record of 25-8 [4]. This impressive run has been a comeback for Mboko, who has struggled with injuries in the past, but has started the year with a 22-match win streak and five ITF titles [5].
In the men's tournament, Zverev was set to face either Karen Khachanov or Alex Michelsen in the semifinals. However, it was Khachanov who advanced, defeating Zverev in the semifinals with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4) [6]. Alex Michelsen, unfortunately, did not reach the semifinals according to the available results [7].
The women's semifinals featured some exciting matchups, including No. 6 Madison Keys vs. No. 16 Clara Tauson and former No. 1 Naomi Osaka vs. No. 10 Elina Svitolina [8]. The men's semifinals are scheduled for August 6, and the women's and men's finals are set for August 7 and 8, respectively [1][8].
In the remaining men's quarterfinals, Taylor Fritz will play Andrey Rublev, and Ben Shelton will face Alex de Minaur [9]. The women's tournament in Montreal saw Elena Rybakina advance to the semifinals after Marta Kostyuk retired with an apparent arm injury [10].
With the semifinals and finals approaching, the excitement is building in Toronto. The 2025 National Bank Open promises to be a thrilling event, with some of the world's best tennis players battling it out for the coveted title.
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In the men's tournament, Alexander Zverev, who demonstrated his tennis prowess in a challenging quarterfinal match against Alexei Popyrin, will be hoping to redeem his loss in the semifinals against Karen Khachanov. Meanwhile, in the women's tournament, Victoria Mboko, a steadily rising Canadian tennis phenom, continues to excel in sports, eyeing a strong performance in her upcoming semifinal matches.
