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

Matching Report

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

World No. 18 will face Popyrin in the final four later on Sunday

August 11, 2024

Sebastian Korda’s summer surge continued on Sunday at the Omnium Banque National presented par Rogers, when the in-form American upset second seed Alexander Zverev to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

Korda won 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-4 against World No. 4 Zverev for his eighth consecutive tour-level match win and just his second in 14 meetings with Top 5 opponents in the PIF ATP Rankings. The American dealt with the tricky conditions in Montreal better than his opponent, his bid for victory undermined by 11 double faults, including one to give up a decisive break in the ninth game of the deciding set.

“It means a lot. It was a tough year before the US broke,” said Korda in his post-game interview. “I just put in a lot of work, and I’m happy with the results right now. I really enjoy my time on the court. Having fun, trying to play aggressively, keep doing my thing, and hope for the best. ”

The 24-year-old Korda, who won his second Tour title last week and made his ATP 500-level debut in Washington, DC, will now prepare for a quick turnaround ahead of his semi final. The American faces Alexei Popyrin, who upset Hubert Hurkacz in another rain-delayed clash, in a match scheduled for just before 8pm local time on Sunday evening.

IT SHOULD NOT STOP… WINNING 🤖@SebiKoda he reaches his fourth consecutive semi-final in as many events and his first at the Masters 1000 level!! @OBNmontreal | #OBN24 pic.twitter.com/TKs0uQjKra

– ATP Tour (@atptour) August 11, 2024

Korda kept his cool twice to stop Zverev’s heavy pressure in their first Lexus ATP Head2Head match. He rallied from 1-4 down in the opening set before going for it in the break, then responded impressively in the decider after his formidable German opponent hit the second set.

Zverev struggled to find a rhythm in his second match, especially in the first and third sets, while Korda finished the match with 67 percent (22/33) of the points in the second return, according to Infosys ATP Stats. He showed no signs of serving in the final four.

“I’m well prepared for the US skater on a tough field and physically I’m doing well,” said Korda. “I’m healthy, that’s probably the most important thing for me. To stay healthy, and just have fun on the court. If I do that, I feel like I can play really good tennis.”

Korda’s only Masters 1000 semi-final came in Shanghai last October. After matching that run in Canada, the 24-year-old climbed three places to No. 15 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. He could move up to No. 13 in the PIF ATP Rankings if he lifts the title on Monday night.

Popyrin entered the court against Hurkacz on Sunday afternoon having lost all of his previous six sets against the Pole. However, the World No. 143 Denis Shapovalov in 2017.

Although Hurkacz saved 17 of the 20 break points he faced in the match, Popyrin capitalized on a sub-par service game from his opponent to earn a crucial break in the 11th decider. The 25-year-old Australian has now reached his fourth level semi-final and his first above the ATP 250 level.

Popyrin rose 22 places to No. 40 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings following his run. He moved up to number 38 in February, but will do better if he reaches the finals.