Image Source: ATP Tour
Tennis at the National Bank Open delivered a stunning night of upsets in Montreal, with top seed Alexander Zverev and No. 4 seed Daniil Medvedev both eliminated in their opening matches. The surprises continued when Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew before taking the court because of a back injury.
Zverev, the tournament’s top-ranked player, was beaten by world No. 69 Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, who recovered from losing the opening set to win 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday, August 5. The result sent one of the event’s biggest favourites out immediately after his first appearance.
Shocking Tennis Upsets Reshape the Montreal Draw
Griekspoor produced a composed performance against a former champion and never allowed the match to drift after the opening-set setback. Zverev struck 10 aces but also committed four double faults, while Griekspoor recorded eight aces and two double faults.
The key difference came in the rallies and on second serve. Zverev won only 48 per cent of points behind his second delivery and created just one break-point opportunity. Although he converted that chance, Griekspoor was far more effective overall, converting four of nine break points.
- Griekspoor won 96 total points compared with Zverev’s 78.
- Zverev led the match after taking the first-set tiebreak 7-3.
- Griekspoor responded by winning the second and third sets.
- The Dutchman advances to the third round in Montreal.
“The top seed is out after just one match,” Sportsnet reported, highlighting the extraordinary scale of the upset. Zverev entered the National Bank Open with significant momentum after winning his first career Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier this season.
Medvedev Falls as Another Major Seed Exits
Medvedev’s early departure added another dramatic chapter to an already chaotic day. The fourth seed lost to world No. 70 Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (5).
The Russian has a strong history at this tournament. He won the 2021 National Bank Open, shortly before capturing his only major title at the US Open. However, his latest campaign ended in the second round, preventing him from improving on last year’s third-round appearance.
Van de Zandschulp arrived with confidence after defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Tuesday. Against Medvedev, the Dutch player held firm in crucial moments and completed the victory in a second-set tiebreak. His result means both Zverev and Medvedev, who received byes into the second round, are already gone.
Felix Auger-Aliassime Withdraws Before His Match
The tournament also lost its No. 2 seed without a ball being struck. Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew from his scheduled match because of a back injury, leaving local supporters disappointed.
Auger-Aliassime had been expected to carry much of the home-country attention in Montreal. His withdrawal places additional focus on the remaining Canadian players and adds to a difficult day for the tournament’s highest-ranked competitors.
Long List of Seeds Crashes Out
The opening-round chaos extended well beyond the two headline defeats. According to Sportsnet, No. 7 Taylor Fritz, No. 14 Valentin Vacherot, No. 16 Francisco Cerundolo, No. 25 Alejandro Tabilo, No. 26 Tomas Etcheverry, No. 29 Ignacio Buse and No. 32 Raphael Collignon also exited on Wednesday.
With so many seeded players eliminated, the draw has opened dramatically for lower-ranked competitors. Players who entered the event outside the spotlight now have a valuable opportunity to reach the later rounds, collect ranking points and make a major impression on the hard-court swing.
For Griekspoor and van de Zandschulp, the victories could become important turning points in their seasons. Both players showed the resilience needed to defeat established opponents, and both now move forward with belief. Meanwhile, the remaining favourites must avoid the same fate as the tournament advances.
What Comes Next at the National Bank Open?
The National Bank Open continues in Montreal and Toronto, with the men’s and women’s draws moving toward the decisive stages. The exits of Zverev, Medvedev and Auger-Aliassime have created a more unpredictable tournament, while the remaining stars face increased pressure.
The results also underline the danger of early matches at a major hard-court event. Even players with deep tournament experience can be vulnerable when opponents arrive in form, serve aggressively and take advantage of limited opportunities.
As per Sportsnet’s tournament coverage, Wednesday’s results will be remembered as one of the most explosive days of the competition. The National Bank Open now has a wide-open feel, with unseeded players eager to take advantage and surviving seeds fighting to protect their positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who upset Alexander Zverev at the National Bank Open?
Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands defeated top seed Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-4 in Montreal.
Who defeated Daniil Medvedev?
World No. 70 Botic van de Zandschulp beat fourth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5) in straight sets.
Why did Felix Auger-Aliassime withdraw?
Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew before his scheduled match because of a back injury.
Which other seeded players lost?
Taylor Fritz, Valentin Vacherot, Francisco Cerundolo, Alejandro Tabilo, Tomas Etcheverry, Ignacio Buse and Raphael Collignon were also among the seeded players eliminated.
