Zverev advances to Canadian Open quarterfinals with straight-set win over Rune

Alexander Zverev (No. 4) defeated Holger Rune (No. 17) 6-3, 7-6(5) to advance to the Canadian Open quarterfinals. The 27-year-old German comfortably won in straight sets, extending his head-to-head record against Rune to 3-1. Zverev will need to recover quickly, as he is set to face Sebastian Korda later for a spot in the semifinals.

Zverev quickly took control of the first set by securing a break in the third game. 'Sascha' displayed strong performance on his serve, landing 70% of his first serves (compared to 55% from Rune) and winning 81% of them (Rune only won 56%).

The early advantage was enough for Zverev to stay ahead without much trouble. In the 9th game, Rune had his first break opportunities, but Zverev was relentless with his serve to overcome them. In the following game, the German secured a second break and comfortably closed out the set 6-3 in 38 minutes.

Zverev dominated the match, and his service points were far less contested than when Rune served. Zverev capitalized on one of his two break opportunities in the 8th game to lead 5-3, with a chance to finish the match on his serve. However, the pressure got to him, and Rune recovered the break, extending the match's outcome.

Rune served at 5-6 and saved two match points to force a tiebreak. However, there was no doubt about who deserved the win, as Zverev quickly took the lead with two mini-breaks, going up 6-2. Although the Dane mounted a small comeback by saving three more match points, Zverev ultimately claimed victory 6-3, 7-6(5).

In the quarterfinals, Zverev will face American Sebastian Korda, who advanced directly after Casper Ruud's withdrawal. They will face off in the final night session in Montreal, following the Jannik Sinner vs. Andrey Rublev match.