Sebastian Korda defeats Alexander Zverev, reaches Montreal SFs | ATP Tour

Match Report

Korda retains coming! In-form American downs Zverev, reaches Montreal SFs

World No. 18 to face Popyrin in final 4 in a while Sunday

August 11, 2024

Sebastian Korda’s summer time surge continued on Sunday on the Omnium Banque Nationwide présenté par Rogers, the place the in-form American upset second seed Alexander Zverev to achieve his second ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

Korda prevailed 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4 towards World No. 4 Zverev for his eighth straight tour-level match win and simply his second in 14 encounters with High 5 opponents within the PIF ATP Rankings. The American handled the blustery situations in Montreal higher than his opponent, whose victory bid was undermined by 11 double faults, together with one to surrender a decisive break within the ninth recreation of the deciding set.

“It means rather a lot. It’s been a troublesome 12 months earlier than the US hard-court swing,” stated Korda in his post-match interview. “I‘ve simply put in a whole lot of work, and I’m so pleased with the outcomes proper now. I’m simply actually having fun with my time on court docket. Having enjoyable, making an attempt to play aggressive, preserve doing my factor, and hope for the very best.”

The 24-year-old Korda, who final week gained his second Tour title and first at ATP 500 stage in Washington, D.C, will now put together for a fast turnaround earlier than his semi-final. The American faces Alexei Popyrin, who upset Hubert Hurkacz in one other rain-delayed conflict, in a match scheduled for not earlier than 8 p.m. native time on Sunday night.

CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP… WINNING 🤖@SebiKorda reaches his fourth consecutive semi-final in as many occasions and his first at Masters 1000 stage!! @OBNmontreal | #OBN24 pic.twitter.com/TKs0uQjKra

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 11, 2024

Korda twice stored his cool to halt some severe Zverev momentum within the pair’s maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head encounter. He rallied from 1-4 down within the opening set earlier than going onto clinch it in a tie-break, after which responded admirably within the decider after his highly effective German opponent had charged to the second set.

Zverev struggled for rhythm on his second serve, notably within the first and third units, and Korda completed the match having gained 67 per cent (22/33) of factors on second-serve return, in accordance with Infosys ATP Stats. He confirmed no signal of nerves to serve out for a last-four spot.

“I’ve had good preparation for the US hard-court swing and bodily I’m doing nicely,” stated Korda. “I’m wholesome, that’s most likely the primary factor for me. To remain wholesome, and simply have enjoyable on court docket. After I try this, I really feel like I can play some fairly good tennis.”

Korda’s solely earlier Masters 1000 semi-final look got here in Shanghai final October. After matching that run in Canada, the 24-year-old is up three spots to No. 15 within the PIF ATP Stay Rankings. He would rise to a career-high No. 13 within the PIF ATP Rankings if he can carry the title on Monday evening.

Popyrin stepped on court docket towards Hurkacz on Sunday afternoon having misplaced all six earlier units he had performed towards the Pole. But the World No. 62 held agency for a 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-5 victory to grow to be the lowest-ranked semi-finalist on the Canadian Masters 1000 occasion because the then-No. 143 Denis Shapovalov in 2017.

Though Hurkacz saved a outstanding 17 of 20 break factors he confronted within the match, Popyrin capitalised on a below-par service recreation from his opponent to clinch an important break within the eleventh recreation of the decider. The 25-year-old Australian is now into his fourth tour-level semi-final and first above ATP 250 stage.