Zverev Advances to Toronto Masters Semi-Finals After Popyrin Win

Alexander Zverev edges past Alexei Popyrin

Alexander Zverev overcame Alexei Popyrin 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-3 to reach the semi-finals of the ATP Toronto Masters. Zverev will face Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals.

“I had one or two mistakes at the end of the first, but it was a high-level match...”

Alexander Zverev edges past Alexei Popyrin 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-3 to reach the semi-finals of the ATP Toronto Masters. The match was marked by a disruption in the final game when an unruly fan was ejected by security for shouting during Zverev's service game at 5-3.

155 - Alexander Zverev has claimed a 155th career match win at ATP Masters 1000 events, equalling Grigor Dimitrov (155) for the most of any player born since 1990. Generation.#NBO25 | @NBOtoronto @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/A9Nn70MEx7

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 5, 2025

With this win, Zverev advances to his 21st Masters 1000 semi-final. He will face Karen Khachanov in the next round. The match against Popyrin was a closely contested one, with Zverev ultimately prevailing in three sets.

The intense moment was broken when a fan's outburst interrupted play, ending Zverev's streak of 14 consecutive points on serve. After security removed the unruly spectator, Zverev double-faulted but regrouped to seal the win with a sharp volley winner at the net on his first match point.

Zverev wrapped up the match in just over 2.5 hours, securing his 40th win of the year.

The world No. 3, Alexander Zverev, won the tournament in 2017 but hadn't advanced past the quarterfinals in Canada since. After losing the first set, Zverev said, “After losing the first set, I had to tell myself we were both playing well.” This mindset helped him turn the match around and secure his 40th win of the year.

Alexander Zverev joining an elite group 👏

he becomes the first man born in 1990 or later to record 500 tour-level wins! pic.twitter.com/WzQGsYTyIK

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 1, 2025

“I had one or two mistakes at the end of the first, but it was a high-level match.

“I felt that if I kept playing well, I would get my chances - and I did. I can't complain about the second and third sets.”

Alexander Zverev will face Karen Khachanov in the final, which is scheduled for Thursday. Khachanov advanced to the final by defeating Alex Michelsen 6-4, 7-6 (7/3). After the match, Khachanov said, “It was a very close, competitive match. I had to come back from some tough situations.”

“How you handle that mentally is important. I was glad to close it out in the second set.

“I had to try and not give him the opportunity to step in and attack; that's what I did today.”

Alexander Zverev has a favorable head-to-head record against Karen Khachanov, leading 5-2. In his match against Alexei Popyrin, the opening set was intensely contested, lasting 71 minutes and ultimately going to a tiebreaker, where Popyrin emerged victorious with an 8-6 score.

Zverev had two set points in the tiebreaker but couldn't convert them. Meanwhile, Popyrin capitalized on his second chance with a net cord winner that left Zverev stranded at the baseline, winning the set 7-6 (8-6).

In the second set, Zverev gained momentum, taking a 4-1 lead. However, Popyrin staged a brief comeback, leveling the set at 4-4 before Zverev regained control.

Zverev pulled away in the second set, breaking Popyrin's serve to take the set 6-4 after Popyrin's volley went wide. This leveled the match at one set apiece.