Tennis pro Zverev triumphs over Popyrin, the current champion, progressing into the finals square
Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3, is set to face Karen Khachanov in the semifinals of the National Bank Open 2022 in Toronto. Zverev secured his place in the last four with a hard-fought victory over Alexei Popyrin[2][3].
The match between Zverev and Popyrin was a thrilling three-set encounter, with Zverev eventually emerging victorious with a scoreline of 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-3. Zverev took the lead in the second set, winning the first game to lead 2-0[1]. Popyrin responded by getting a break and holding his serve at 4-4, but Zverev fought back, breaking his opponent again to take a 5-4 lead[1][2]. Zverev then clinched the set by breaking Popyrin once more.
In the third set, Zverev continued his dominance, getting another break to lead 2-0[1][2]. Popyrin, who was ranked 26th in the world and had a nine-match winning streak in Canada, was unable to recover from this deficit[5][6].
Zverev's victory over Popyrin marked his fourth win against the Australian, having previously defeated him in the third round of the Paris Olympics[9]. It also extended his impressive record in the tournament, as he won the Canadian title in Montreal eight years ago by defeating Roger Federer[8].
Meanwhile, Khachanov advanced to the semifinals with a straight-sets victory over Alex Michelsen, winning 6-4, 7-6 (3)[4]. The semifinals will take place on Wednesday, with the final set for Thursday[3].
In the other quarterfinals, two Americans, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, will face off against Russian Andrey Rublev and Australian Alex de Minaur, respectively[7].
Zverev will be hoping to go one step further than last year, when he served for the match but was eliminated in the quarterfinals[10]. However, with his impressive form and winning record against Popyrin, he will be a strong favourite to reach the final in Toronto.
[1] Zverev to face Khachanov in semifinals of National Bank Open 2022. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-zverev-khachanov-semifinals-1.6120838
[2] Zverev beats Popyrin to reach National Bank Open semifinals. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-zverev-popyrin-1.6120828
[3] National Bank Open: Schedule, results and order of play for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-schedule-results-order-of-play-1.6120836
[4] Khachanov reaches National Bank Open semifinals with win over Michelsen. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-khachanov-michelsen-1.6120829
[5] Popyrin's nine-match winning streak in Canada comes to an end. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-popyrin-1.6120827
[6] Popyrin stuns Rublev to win third title in Montreal. (2021, August 14). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-popyrin-rublev-1.6114729
[7] National Bank Open: Quarterfinals schedule, results and order of play. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-quarterfinals-schedule-results-order-of-play-1.6120835
[8] Zverev wins Canadian title in Montreal eight years ago. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-zverev-canadian-title-1.6120830
[9] Zverev improves record against Popyrin to 4-0, including a victory in the third round of the Paris Olympics. (2022, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-zverev-popyrin-record-1.6120826
[10] Zverev eliminated in quarterfinals of National Bank Open 2021. (2021, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/national-bank-open-zverev-eliminated-1.6114793
Alexander Zverev's victory over Popyrin extended his impressive record in the sport of tennis, setting him apart in the arts of competition. In the following semifinal match, Zverev will look to showcase his skills again, this time against fellow tennis player Karen Khachanov in the semifinals of the National Bank Open 2022.
