Zverev Advances to National Bank Open Quarterfinals After Cerundolo Retirement
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A series of high-profile withdrawals and an abdominal injury have reshaped the bracket at the National Bank Open, paving the way for Alexander Zverev to advance to the quarterfinals.
Top-seeded Zverev of Germany was leading Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 1-0 Saturday night when the 14th-seeded Argentine was forced to retire due to an abdominal injury. The unexpected turn of events propels Zverev into a quarterfinal matchup against defending champion Alexei Popyrin of Australia.
Popyrin Secures Quarterfinal Berth in Night Match Victory
Popyrin, the 18th seed, earned his place in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over fifth-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark in the first night match of the tournament. The Australian will look to continue his title defense against Zverev.
Top Seeds Absent from Toronto Tournament
Zverev’s path to the quarterfinals was considerably altered by the absence of several top players. The 2017 champion, currently ranked third in the world, became the top seed after world No. 1 Jannik Sinner – the 2023 winner – and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz both opted to skip the hard-court event, wich concludes Thursday. Further complicating the draw,No. 5 Jack Draper and No. 6 Novak djokovic also sat out the tournament.
zverev recently secured his 24th tour title with a win on clay in Munich in April, demonstrating his versatility across surfaces.
American Rising Star Michelsen Reaches Quarterfinals
In afternoon action, Alex Michelsen continued his impressive run, defeating fellow American Learner Tien 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals. Michelsen will now face 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia, who defeated eighth-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 7-5.
Why: The National Bank Open quarterfinals bracket was significantly impacted by multiple top players withdrawing from the tournament and an injury during a match.
Who: Alexander Zverev (Germany) advanced to the quarterfinals after Francisco Cerundolo (Argentina) retired due to an abdominal injury. Alexei Popyrin (Australia) also secured a quarterfinal berth by defeating Holger Rune (Denmark). American Alex Michelsen also advanced.
What: The tournament is the National Bank Open, a hard-court event in Toronto. Zverev, initially seeded third, became the top seed due to the withdrawals of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, and Novak Djokovic.
How did it end?: Francisco Cerundolo retired in the second set (6-4, 1-0) of his match against Alexander Zverev due to an abdominal injury, giving Zverev the win and a place in the quarterfinals.Popyrin won his match against Rune in three sets (4-6, 6-2, 6-3). Michelsen defeated Tien in straight sets (6-3, 6-3). Zverev will now face Popyrin in the quarterfinals, while Michelsen will face Khachanov.
