Day five at ATP Toronto promises an enthralling spectacle for tennis enthusiasts, featuring a lineup of pivotal matches including a highly anticipated clash between two former champions. Eight compelling encounters are scheduled, setting the stage for significant advancements in the tournament draw.
The headline attraction undoubtedly features Daniil Medvedev against Alexei Popyrin, a rematch that carries considerable weight given Popyrin’s unexpected Masters title last season. Despite Popyrin’s past success, his current season has been marred by inconsistencies, particularly evident in his rhythm on court. Medvedev, despite his own recent fluctuations, typically maintains a higher baseline performance, positioning him as the favorite to capitalize on Popyrin’s struggles and advance.
Another intriguing matchup pits Casper Ruud against Nuno Borges in a French Open rematch. Their previous encounter saw Borges stunningly defeat an injury-hampered Ruud. However, with a healthier Ruud now on hard courts, this presents a prime opportunity for the Norwegian to avenge that loss and demonstrate his true form, suggesting a different outcome this time around at ATP Toronto.
Meanwhile, Holger Rune arrives at ATP Toronto buoyed by a significant victory, his first in over a month, signaling a potential turning point for the young talent. His hard-court prowess, showcased by a run to the Indian Wells final, suggests he could contend for another Masters title in the absence of some top contenders. While Alexandre Muller poses a challenge, the overall matchup appears to favor Rune, though it may not be a straightforward affair.
The Canadian Open also presents a significant opportunity for Ben Shelton, particularly with the notable absences of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner. Currently ranked World No. 7 and seeded fourth, Shelton finds himself in a favorable position to potentially claim his maiden Masters 1000 title, navigating a draw that could see him avoid higher-ranked opponents until the semi-finals.
Despite the high-profile withdrawals, Ben Shelton remains grounded, asserting that the path to victory at ATP Toronto is far from easy. He views the tournament as another vital opportunity to build confidence, especially looking ahead to the US Open. His professional outlook highlights the depth of talent still present, emphasizing that no player will find an easy route through the demanding draw.
Shelton’s recent form underscores his potential, having reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon earlier this season and battling hard on court. His North American hard-court swing began impressively at the Canadian Open with a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory over Adrian Mannarino, a player he had never previously beaten, showcasing a significant improvement in his game.
Historically, Ben Shelton has had mixed results at the Canadian Open, with three wins in five appearances, including a notable victory over Alexander Bublik last year before falling to eventual champion Alexei Popyrin. His current trajectory suggests he could surpass past performances, with projected matchups against Brandon Nakashima or Ethan Quinn in an all-American clash, and potentially Flavio Cobolli, as he aims to make a deep run in the tournament.
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