Toronto Day 6 Recap served up by Sobeys: Zverev Notches Win No. 500

The top seed battled back from a set down to win his 500th match on the ATP Tour. His victory was part of a wild night session that included three former National Bank Open champions.

Here is the Day 6 recap served up by Sobeys.

On-Court Action:

Alexander Zverev came into the match sitting on 499 wins and after 80 minutes, it looked like he may have to wait until Cincinnati to hit five centuries worth of victories when the crafty Matteo Arnaldi snuck out the opening set.

But as the match went along, Zverev penetrating ground strokes started to wear down the Italian. By the third set, it was one-way traffic. After two hours and 48 minutes, the German had secured win No. 500.

He is the fifth active player to hit the mark and the seventh fastest to reach 500 since 2000.

Read also: Getting to know Victoria Mboko

Alexei Popyrin extended his winning streak in Canada to eight matches, winning the clash of champions with Daniil Medvedev in three sets to finish off the night session. The Aussie let a lead slip away in the opening set but responded well, breaking early in the second and carrying the momentum to the finish line for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win.

The day started with the biggest upset of the tournament so far when Alex Michelsen took out the No. 3 seed Lorenzo Musetti in a three-set thriller. For a minute, it looked like Casper Ruud might be heading the same way when he fell behind quickly against Nuno Borges, but the Norwegian rallied for a straight-set win.

A highlight for the host nation came late in the evening when Liam Draxl and Cleeve Harper scored their first wins in an ATP Tour main draw, upsetting seventh seeds Christian Harrison and Evan King in straight sets.

CLICK HERE to read all the results from Wednesday.

Around the Grounds:  

Four days after playing in his final match as a professional, Vasek Pospisil once again stopped by the grounds of Sobeys Stadium for Tennis Talk with Arash Madani. With everything now sunk in, the Vernon-native reflected on what it felt like to retire in front of his home crowd.

“It was a lot to process. I had 55 people here, friends and family, it made it emotional,” Pospisil said. “It was the first time in my career where I was very distracted heading into a match, but right now I’m just relieved and excited for the new chapter.”

And what does that future hold for the former world No. 25? Firstly, a lot of sleep.

“I slept in three days in a row so it’s off to a good start. I’m very happy, very relaxed. Just taking a break,” Pospisil said. “I’m sure whatever I end up doing will be similar… I’ll take a few months then it’ll just be right back on the saddle.”

Read also: Pospisil Relieved and Grateful as Career Ends in Toronto

The 2022 Davis Cup champion says he’s not going anywhere quite yet though, as he said he’s sticking around to enjoy the rest of the experience at the National Bank Open in Toronto. 

The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo : Peter Power