Two former champions met within the third spherical of the Canada Masters in Toronto. Final yr's winner Alexei Popyrin bested the champion from 4 years in the past, Daniil Medvedev, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and half-hour.
The Russian claimed the opener and fought nicely till the top. Nevertheless, Alexei supplied early breaks in units two and three and defended his serve properly to seal the deal and emerge on the high.
Medvedev has not gained an ATP title since Could 2023, extending his horrible streak to 46 tournaments! He conquered 5 ATP titles within the opening 5 months of 2023 earlier than dropping floor and embracing his career-worst interval.
Title defence stays on target 🤝
Alexei Popyrin comes again to defeat Medvedev 5-7 6-4 6-4 in Toronto 🔥#NBO25 pic.twitter.com/u5YyW3E8Aj
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 1, 2025
Alexei collected seven factors greater than his rival. The Aussie had the higher hand behind the primary serve however struggled on the second. The defending champion saved 9 of 11 break factors and supplied three breaks from 12 alternatives.
Popyrin fired 37 winners and 47 unforced errors and left his rival on a 20-43 ratio. Medvedev had the higher hand in service winners and the baseline. Nevertheless, Alexei erased the deficit with a robust efficiency on the internet.
The youthful participant solid the lead within the shortest rallies as much as 4 strokes, and former world no. 1 had a slim benefit in probably the most prolonged ones. The opening set lasted 56 minutes.
Daniil Medvedev & Alexei Popyrin, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot
Daniil wasted sport factors at 1-1 and skilled a break. The Aussie served nicely in video games 4 and 6 to keep up the benefit. Nevertheless, he netted a routine forehand within the eighth sport and introduced his rival again to 4-4.
Medvedev made one other push on the return at 6-5. The 2021 champion wasted a set level earlier than erasing the rival's sport factors and lengthening the sport. Daniil drew Alexei's error on the third set level, wrapping up the opener 7-5.
Popyrin supplied a break within the first sport of the second set with a cracking backhand down the road winner. The Aussie saved three break factors within the fourth sport and moved 3-1 in entrance.
Alexei Popyrin, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot
Daniil wasted a break likelihood in sport eight and confronted three set factors on serve at 3-5. The Russian saved them and held to extend the battle. Nevertheless, Popyrin held at 5-4 with a backhand winner, introducing a decider after an hour and 49 minutes.
Medvedev netted a backhand within the first sport of the ultimate set and suffered an early break. Alexei saved two break factors within the sixth sport and held for a 4-2 benefit.
The defending champion fired an ace within the eighth sport and prolonged his result in 5-3. Daniil held at love in sport 9 and wished for one final likelihood on the return at 4-5.
As a substitute, Alexei held at love in sport ten, sealing the deal and transferring excessive.
