Alexander Zverev was eliminated from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Montreal after losing to Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. The match, played in 30-degree heat, ended with a score of 6-7 (3-7), 6-2, 6-4 in favor of Griekspoor after two hours and 34 minutes.
Duration of the match between Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor.
Zverev, the top-seeded player at the event, entered the tournament as the world No. 3. The 29-year-old German, who won the French Open title earlier this year, used the Montreal Masters as preparation for the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York.
The defeat marked Zverev’s first match of the hardcourt season and his first appearance since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final approximately four weeks prior. World No. 1 Sinner voluntarily skipped the Montreal tournament, as did Novak Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz was also absent due to injury, while second-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew at short notice because of health issues.
Match details and interruptions
In the first set, there was only one break point, which occurred at 5-6 against Zverev. He saved the break point and won the tiebreak 7-3. However, Zverev lost his first two service games in the second set and conceded the frame with little resistance. In the third set, he managed a re-break to level the score at 4-4 after saving another break point, but lost his serve again shortly after.
The match faced interruptions due to the high temperatures. Zverev provided a cold towel and water to a spectator who felt unwell. Later, another spectator collapsed after Zverev conceded a break to trail 2-3 in the final set, causing further delay. Griekspoor converted his first match point to secure the victory.
Griekspoor will advance to the third round, where he is scheduled to face the winner of the match between Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi and Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan.
Preparation and expectations
Before the tournament, Zverev stated that he did not expect to be at his best in Canada. He criticized the event structure, noting that some players need more rounds to reach top form while others need fewer. 'I definitely belong to those who need competition, and that's why I play,' Zverev said.
It was a good year. The year is not over yet.
Prior to the Montreal event, former world No. 1 Boris Becker discussed Zverev’s career trajectory in a podcast with Andrea Petković. Becker described Zverev’s Paris title and Wimbledon final appearance as milestones but warned that time is pressing for the German to add more Grand Slam titles.
I would hurry with the next victories in his place. He is 29, not 25.
Becker added that he believes Zverev can maintain his current form for another one and a half to two years. The US Open, the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, remains the next major target for Zverev.
