ATP Canadian Open Round-Up: Korda and Popyrin reach semifinals after upsets over Zverev and Hurkacz
ATP
Sebastian Korda (No. 18) and Alexei Popyrin
(No. 62) secured their spots in the semifinals of the Canadian Open. The
American played an inspired match against Alexander Zverev (No. 4) and came
away with a hard-fought victory in the third set, 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4.
Similarly, Australian Popyrin pulled off a
surprise by coming back against Hubert Hurkacz, winning 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-5 to
reach the semifinals of the Canadian Open for the first time in a Masters 1000
event. Popyrin and Korda will face off tonight for a place in the final.
Sebastian Korda surprises Alexander Zverev
The first set quickly tilted in favor of
Alexander Zverev, who secured a break in the second game and took a 3-0 lead.
However, the American fought back, recovering the break in the 7th game and
eventually took the set in a tie-break, 7-6(5).
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Korda struggled to maintain his level in the
second set. After securing his first service game, he faltered both on serve
and return, allowing Zverev to win six consecutive games and take the set 6-1,
forcing a decider.
In the third set, neither player was able to
gain an advantage, with no break points played for a large part of the set.
Korda finally managed to break in the 9th game after wasting three previous
opportunities and closed out the match, 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4.
Sebastian Korda at 2023 European Open
Alexei Popyrin stuns Hubert Hurkacz
Despite Hurkacz being the favorite, it was
Popyrin who secured the first break, quickly going 2-0 up. Both players were
inconsistent with their serves during the first set, with each having multiple
break opportunities. The Polish player recovered from a poor start, getting two
breaks to take the set 6-3.
In the second set, Popyrin improved his serving
while Hurkacz struggled with his first serve (only 45%). Both players managed a
break each, and the set was decided in a tie-break, where the Australian proved
more decisive to level the match 7-6(5).
The third set was a battle of nerves, with both
players saving several break points against them. At 5-5, Popyrin seized his
10th break point to move ahead and closed out the match with his serve, 3-6,
7-6(5), 7-5. The Australian is set to climb over 20 positions and reach world
No. 40 by the end of the tournament.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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