Two former champions met in the third round of the Canada Masters in Toronto. Last year's winner Alexei Popyrin bested the champion from four years ago, Daniil Medvedev, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 30 minutes.
The Russian claimed the opener and fought well until the end. However, Alexei provided early breaks in sets two and three and defended his serve nicely to seal the deal and emerge at the top.
Medvedev has not won an ATP title since May 2023, extending his terrible streak to 46 tournaments! He conquered five ATP titles in the opening five months of 2023 before losing ground and embracing his career-worst period.
Alexei collected seven points more than his rival. The Aussie had the upper hand behind the first serve but struggled on the second. The defending champion saved nine of 11 break points and provided three breaks from 12 opportunities.
Popyrin fired 37 winners and 47 unforced errors and left his rival on a20-43 ratio. Medvedev had the upper hand in service winners and the baseline. However, Alexei erased the deficit with a strong performance at the net.
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The younger player forged the lead in the shortest rallies up to four strokes, and former world no. 1 had a slim advantage in the most extended ones. The opening set lasted 56 minutes.
Daniil wasted game points at 1-1 and experienced a break. The Aussie served well in games four and six to maintain the advantage. However, he netted a routine forehand in the eighth game and brought his rival back to 4-4.
Medvedev made another push on the return at 6-5. The 2021 champion wasted a set point before erasing the rival's game points and extending the game. Daniil drew Alexei's error on the third set point, wrapping up the opener 7-5.
Popyrin provided a break in the first game of the second set with a cracking backhand down the line winner. The Aussie saved three break points in the fourth game and moved 3-1 in front.
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Daniil wasted a break chance in game eight and faced three set points on serve at 3-5. The Russian saved them and held to prolong the battle. However, Popyrin held at 5-4 with a backhand winner, introducing a decider after an hour and 49 minutes.
Medvedev netted a backhand in the first game of the final set and suffered an early break. Alexei saved two break points in the sixth game and held for a 4-2 advantage.
The defending champion fired an ace in the eighth game and extended his lead to 5-3. Daniil held at love in game nine and wished for one last chance on the return at 4-5.
Instead, Alexei held at love in game ten, sealing the deal and moving over the top.
