Alexei Popyrin celebrated his 27th birthday by advancing to the round of 32 at the Montreal Masters for the third year running, defeating 32nd-seeded Belgian Raphaël Collignon 6-4, 6-3 in 76 minutes, according to tournament reports. The 2024 champion relied heavily on a dominant service game, firing 10 aces and winning 84 percent of his first-serve points without facing a break point.
Montreal Masters Path and Service Domination
Popyrin entered the main draw after defeating fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, followed by a straight-sets victory over Román Andrés Burruchaga in the opening round, which marked his first ATP-level win since May. Against Collignon, the Sydneysider converted three of nine break-point opportunities to secure the straight-sets win in just over an hour. Looking ahead to the next round, Popyrin will face Thiago Tirante of Argentina, who advanced by upsetting world number nine and seventh-seeded American Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-3, as reported by AAP.
Did you know? Alexei Popyrin’s recent hard-court success in Canada follows his run at the 2024 US Open in New York, where he secured a victory over Novak Djokovic en route to his best finish at Flushing Meadows.
WTA Toronto Results: Kasatkina Falls as Australian Qualifiers Advance
At the corresponding WTA tournament in Toronto, Australian world number 61 Daria Kasatkina exited the tournament following a gruelling two-hour and 22-minute encounter against second-seeded Elena Rybakina. The two-time grand slam champion from Kazakhstan ultimately prevailed 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to set up a fixture against 28th seed Anna Li of the United States. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Australian qualifier Maya Joint added to the nation’s success by overcoming 14th-seeded Romanian Sorana Cîrstea 6-4, 6-4, joining compatriot Talia Gibson in the next round of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Alexei Popyrin defeat to reach the Montreal Masters round of 32?
Popyrin defeated 32nd-seeded Belgian Raphaël Collignon 6-4, 6-3.
Who is Alexei Popyrin’s next opponent in Montreal?
Popyrin faces Argentine player Thiago Tirante in the round of 32.
How did Daria Kasatkina perform at the WTA event in Toronto?
Kasatkina lost a three-set match to second-seeded Elena Rybakina with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.
Which young Australian advanced at the Toronto event?
Twenty-year-old qualifier Maya Joint defeated Sorana Cîrstea 6-4, 6-4 to reach the third round.
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