Self-Control Aids Zverev's Rebound

German top seed ignores fan distraction to notch comeback win and set up Khachanov clash

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TORONTO - Alexander Zverev reached his 21st Masters 1000 semi-final on Aug 4 by ending the title defence of Alexei Popyrin 6-7 (8-10), 6-4, 6-3 at the ATP Canadian Open.

The final game, with Zverev serving at 5-3, was interrupted by shouts from an unruly fan who was tossed out by security at the Toronto event.

The distraction ended a run of 14 consecutive points on serve, with the German top seed double-faulting once he was able to continue serving.

He finished off Australia's Popyrin with a sharp volley winner at the net on his first match point.

Zverev completed his 39th win of 2023 in just over 2½ hours.

The world No. 3 won the tournament in 2017 but had not been past the quarter-finals in Canada since.

"After losing the first set, I had to tell myself we were both playing well," the holder of seven Masters trophies said.

"I had one or two mistakes at the end of the first, but it was a high-level match.

"I felt that if I kept playing well, I would get my chances - and I did. I can't complain about the second and third sets."