Alexei Popyrin was hoping to pick up a second career Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open.
In 2024, Popyrin defeated Andrey Rublev in the final to win the biggest title of his career in Montreal.
Returning to defend his title in Toronto, Popyrin made a strong start, taking down Nicolas Arsenault, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune en route to the quarterfinals.
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It was there that his run came to an end, losing out to Germany’s Alexander Zverev in three sets 7-6, 4-6, 3-6.
Reflecting on his unsuccessful Canadian Open title defence, Popyrin highlighted what the number one seed did during the first set, which he found ‘unbelievable’.
Alexei Popyrin thought Alexander Zverev played an ‘unbelievable game’ to break him
During his post-match press conference, Popyrin shared his thoughts on his Canadian Open quarterfinal defeat.
“Yeah, I think it was a high-level match. He’s number three in the world for a reason,” he said.
“I think the first set, mainly, I was probably the more aggressive player.
“Then he kind of got in his rhythm, and then, I did a good job just clawing back a break.
“He played an unbelievable game at 5-4 to break. He read my serve twice, was on my serve, and played a great game.
“In the third set, I think it was the battle of the fittest. He came out serving bombs, and I didn’t really have much chance on his serve. He broke me in the first game of my serve in the second set.
“So, yeah, it was tough to take, I tried my best to claw myself back into the third set.
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“Overall, my level is there, I haven’t felt like this all year, which is nice, so I feel like I’m slowly starting to build something.”
The Australian explained how his game plan fell apart against Zverev, as he lost out in a three-set thriller.
“Yeah, I think he played solid, and he always plays solid, so I don’t think much has changed in his game,” he said.
“I knew my tactics going out into the match, and I thought I executed them pretty well throughout most of the match.
“But once he gets in the rhythm, he’s one of the better players in the world.
“For me, it was just to try and not give him the rhythm. I did a little bit, but I gave him too much rhythm towards the end of the match.”
Zverev extended his winning record to 4-0 against Popyrin with his latest victory in Toronto, as he continues to dominate the world number 26.
MatchWinnerLoserScore2025 Canadian Open – QFAlexander ZverevAlexei Popyrin6-7, 6-4, 6-32024 Olympics – 3RAlexander ZverevAlexei Popyrin7-5, 6-32019 Mexican Open – 1RAlexander ZverevAlexei Popyrin6-3, 6-32018 Swiss Indoors – 2RAlexander ZverevAlexei Popyrin6-4, 6-4Alexei Popyrin and Alexander Zverev’s head-to-head record
The German will now turn his attention to the semifinals, as he edges closer to an eighth Masters 1000 title.
Alexander Zverev’s path to the Canadian Open title
Next up for Zverev is Russia’s Karen Khachanov, who has been on a tear in Toronto, defeating seeded players Casper Ruud and Alex Michelsen in his previous two matches.
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The German will, however, likely be considered the favorite for their semifinal clash, having won each of their previous three ATP Tour meetings.
2024 Cincinnati Open 2R – Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov2024 Miami Open 4R – Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov2021 Olympics F – Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov
Their most notable clash came at the Olympic Games four years ago, when Zverev beat Khachanov in straight sets to clinch the gold medal.
If Zverev can pick up a fourth consecutive win over Khachanov, he’d move into the final to play one of Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Andrey Rublev, or Taylor Fritz.
Yet to win a Masters 1000 title in 2025, Zverev would no doubt love to add to his tally in Toronto, moving ahead of Carlos Alcaraz in the list of most successful ‘active’ players at the level in the process.
1. Novak Djokovic – 40T-2. Alexander Zverev – 7T-2. Carlos Alcaraz – 7
Any title talk is a bit premature, however, as Zverev will first focus on his semifinal match with Khachanov.
Zverev and Khachanov will battle it out for a place in the 2025 Canadian Open final on Wednesday, August 6.