The Canadian Open served a day of drama, determination, and devastating upsets on Thursday. Top seed Coco Gauff fought back to advance to the women’s last 16 after being a set down. Daniil Medvedev also made an early exit at the expense of Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. In both the men’s and women’s draws, seeded favourites were upset early, and rising American players took centre stage.
Coco Gauff’s tenacity was impressive, and Alexander Zverev, the top-seeded German, achieved his 500th tour-level triumph. There was a subtle change in power on the court over the event, with new players rising to the top and the stars leaving early.
Coco Gauff Rallies in Classic Fightback
World number two and French Open winner Coco Gauff demonstrated her grit in a riveting three-set victory. She came back from behind against Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova, losing the initial set 4–6. Gauff then took the subsequent sets 7–5, 6–2. The two-and-a-half-hour contest put her mettle to the test.
It was a hard match today,” Gauff conceded. “I felt like I did a good job mentally, particularly on the return. I was facing an opponent who served very well. Naturally, I would’ve liked to serve better, but I’m just glad to have made it through.”
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American Surge on the Women’s Side
Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska beat American eighth seed Emma Navarro 7–5, 6–4 in a big upset. But another American, McCartney Kessler, stunned Russian fourth seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, 7–6(5), 6–4.
While ninth seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan eased past Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian 6–0, 7–6(5), demonstrating why she is still a force in the draw.
Daniil Medvedev, Musetti Out; Zverev Hits 500
The men’s competition witnessed some of the biggest names falling. 10th seed and past US. Open winner Daniil Medvedev fell to 18th seed Alexei Popyrin 5–7, 6–4, 6–4. In another upset, American Alex Michelsen defeated third seed Lorenzo Musetti. Michelsen recovered from a set down to triumph 3–6, 7–6(4), 6–4 with power and accuracy changing the fortunes.
Alexander Zverev had to dig deep in his match against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi. Zverev came back after losing the first set in a tiebreak, winning 6–7(5), 6–3, 6–2. With the victory, he reached his 500th career tour-level win—a rare milestone very few have attained.
Rising Americans Take the Spotlight
This event has represented a powerful surge by young American stars on all fronts. The triumph of McCartney Kessler over Andreeva and Alex Michelsen’s rally against Musetti is are indicator of a fresh crop coming on.
Their poise in pressure situations and bold approach are symptoms of a tide shift in American tennis. Both of these players now lead the charge with increasing confidence.
Rune, Ruud, Cerundolo Advance
Norway’s eighth seed Casper Ruud defeated Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7–5, 6–4. Fifth seed Holger Rune easily defeated Alexandre Muller 6–2, 6–4. Francisco Cerundolo defeated Tomas Etcheverry 6–3, 6–4 in an all-Argentine encounter.
With Medvedev and Andreeva eliminated, and Gauff just surviving, the field at the Canadian Open has opened up. A number of the top seeds have fallen early, opening up space for fresh faces. If this continues, supporters may see one of the most open and new endings in years.
