The Canadian Open quarter-finals in Toronto witnessed surprising upsets as both world number one Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev faced unexpected defeats.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 20-year-old Spanish sensation and world number one, faced a setback in the quarter-finals against American 12th seed Tommy Paul. In a fluctuating match, Alcaraz lost 3-6 6-4 3-6 to Paul, who capitalized on the Spaniard’s sluggish start. Despite being the reigning Wimbledon champion, Alcaraz struggled with 13 unforced errors and six double faults, ending his victorious streak since the French Open semi-finals.
De Minaur Shocks Medvedev
In a parallel upset, Australian Alex de Minaur caused a sensation by defeating Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev. De Minaur’s relentless determination led to a hard-fought victory of 7-6 (9-7) 7-5 against the world number three. This triumph secured de Minaur a spot in the semi-finals, marking his first appearance at the Masters 1000 level.
As the dust settled, Tommy Paul’s 14th ranking prevailed against Alcaraz, setting the stage for his upcoming semi-final duel against either sixth seed Jannik Sinner or the charismatic Gael Monfils from France. Paul’s tactical victory was a replication of his triumph over Alcaraz last year in the Montreal second round.
On the other hand, Alex de Minaur’s masterful play dashed Medvedev’s hopes. De Minaur’s semi-final match will be against unseeded Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who secured his spot by overcoming Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2.
De Minaur’s Strategy and Medvedev’s Reflections
De Minaur’s success was attributed to his strategic prowess and adaptability. He acknowledged the unique dynamic between him and Medvedev, stating that their matches often resemble a complex chess game due to their versatile playing styles.
Medvedev, despite acknowledging the efficiency of his opponent’s game, expressed disappointment in his own performance. He regretted squandered opportunities in crucial moments, stating that he could have performed better and seized the first set.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina continued his impressive run by securing his place in the semi-finals. His determined play propelled him past Mackenzie McDonald, further enhancing his remarkable journey in the tournament.
