Zverev outlasts Popyrin to reach Canadian Open semis

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev rallied from a set down to defeat Alexei Popyrin, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, and advance to the semifinal round of the National Bank Open on August 5, 2025, in Montreal.

With the comeback win, the German star ended Popyrin’s title defense campaign and moved a step closer to returning to the majors’ win column after a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon.

Zverev had a shaky start, squandering multiple set-point opportunities and committing unforced errors that allowed Popyrin to force — and win — a tiebreak in the opening set.

He opened the tiebreak strong with a 3-1 lead off back-to-back passing shot winners to Popyrin’s wide side.

However, Popyrin responded with a momentum-swinging 4-1 run, capped by a drop shot and a backhand return winner, to take the set and edge closer to a semifinal berth.

Sensing the shift, Zverev regained his rhythm in the second set with more consistent groundstrokes and aggressive shot-making.

He targeted Popyrin’s backhand to open up forehand opportunities down the line — a tactical move that paid off throughout the second set.

Zverev then dominated the third set, starting with a run of first-serve points and capitalizing on an improved net game.

He finished with 12 service aces and won 110 total points, fueled by an 82% first-serve rate.

Zverev will take a day off before returning to center court on August 7 for the Canadian Open semifinals.