Zverev Advances to 75th ATP Semi-Final After Victory Over Popyrin

TORONTO: Alexander Zverev showcased a remarkable recovery to defeat reigning champion Alexei Popyrin with a score of 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3. The win secures his place in the Canadian Open semi-finals, held at Center Court on Monday.

Zverev, despite missing a couple of set points in the initial set, maintained his composure and demonstrated resilience by winning the subsequent two sets.

The German player established early 3-0 advantages in both the second and third sets, which allowed him to sustain command and conclude the match in a total of two hours and 42 minutes.

This triumph further cements Zverev’s unblemished record against Popyrin, bringing it to 4-0, and marks his advancement to his 75th career semi-final on the ATP Tour.

This accomplishment positions him alongside Novak Djokovic as the only active male players to have achieved this significant milestone, highlighting his consistent performance at the highest echelons of the sport.

Reflecting on his showing, Zverev acknowledged the challenges presented by the first set but gave credit to his strategic realignments.

“I had to remind myself that despite the first set loss, we were both performing at a high level,” Zverev commented.

“I needed to pinpoint the correct return stance because his serves are very powerful, and once he establishes a rhythm, he becomes a formidable opponent.”

Zverev further noted that a crucial element of his victory was disrupting Popyrin’s ability to find his rhythm.

“I was successful in doing so throughout the second and third sets. Overall, I have little to critique. I had a lapse in one service game during the second set, but otherwise, it was a solid performance,” he concluded.

The world number four is now scheduled to compete against Russia’s Karen Khachanov on August 7 in the semi-final. Khachanov previously secured his spot by overcoming American Alex Michelsen with a score of 6-4, 7-6(3).