Familiar foes Alexander Zverev and Kevin Anderson will square off again on Friday at the Masters 1000 tournament in Montreal. Fresh off an upset of Rafael Nadal, Denis Shapovalov will continue his campaign against Adrian Mannarino.
(4) Alexander Zverev vs. Kevin Anderson
Zverev and Anderson will be going head-to-head for the fourth time in their careers and for the second time in less than a full week when they meet again in the Rogers Cup quarterfinals on Friday. All three of their previous encounters have gone Zverev’s way, the first two in three sets (2015 Washington, D.C., 2017 Rome) and 6-4, 6-4 in last Sunday’s Washington, D.C. final. Fresh off the fifth title of his career, the 20-year-old German has extended his winning streak to seven matches with victories in Montreal over Richard Gasquet and Nick Kyrgios. Zverev outlasted Gasquet 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(3) after saving a match point on a 49-ball rally but perhaps restored energy by getting off the court quickly (6-4, 6-3) against Kyrgios.
Finally armed with a clean bill of health for all if not much of a full season, Anderson has wrapped up a seed for the upcoming U.S. Open thanks to his current surge. The 6’8” South African reached the fourth round at Wimbledon prior to his runner-up performance last week and so far in Montreal he has taken out Dudi Sela, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Sam Querrey in straight sets. This should be competitive than what transpired south of the border, but it is hard to pick against Zverev right now unless he is facing Roger Federer–and perhaps only Federer.
Pick: Zverev in 3
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(WC) Denis Shapovalov vs. Adrian Mannarino
Mannarino probably thought he was in line for a date with Rafael Nadal after the Frenchman took care of Hyeon Chung 6-3, 6-3 during third-round action on Thursday. Instead, he will be going up against Shapovalov for the first time in his career. Adding to the trend of surprising results and wild three-setters in Montreal, the 18-year-old Canadian upset Nadal 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4) in a raucous two-hour and 45-minute thriller on Thursday night. Thus continued Shapovalov’s incredible run, which started when he saved four match points against Rogerio Dutra Silva and added another chapter in the form of a straight-set victory over Juan Martin Del Potro.
Prior to beating Chung, Mannarino rolled over Daniil Medvedev and No. 6 seed Milos Raonic in straight sets. The world No. 42 will almost certainly secure a seed for the U.S. Open if he wins on Friday, but he may be on the outside looking in if he loses. A veteran like Mannarino can distance himself from that kind of pressure, whereas Shapovalov is finally in a different situation as a borderline favorite in this matchup. Making a quick turnaround so soon after the biggest win of his career is also a tough task. The youngster’s run could come to an end when it is least expected, especially with a wily opponent on the other side of the net who will change up the pace and break up any kind of rhythm.
Pick: Mannarino in 3
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Handsome (Jr. Zverev) in 3 and Shapovalov in 3
Zverev and Shapovalov in three
What’s crazy is Shapovalov at 8-8 in the second set tiebreak in round one hit a rally ball out that wasn’t called or overruled or challenged or anything and tennis channel showed after Denis won the point that it was out. He also hit the most insane drop volley down 5-6 in that breaker. So glad Shapovalov got out of that one. Now he’s gotten a breakthrough result here.
Zverev in 2
Mannarino in 3
Anderson in 3
Mannarino in 3
Zverev and Mannarino both in 2
hope to see Dennis vs Fed in final, see what he can do over there, should be interesting if he could beat another two top players.
Come one Dennis. One more set to go.
Wow after three bp saved, now breaking Mannarino. it is getting more excited, hopefully tennis sees new star in this young boy playing without fear and nerves.
Don’t be too excited yet, Kygrios also started like this, fearless and with more talent, yet to live up to expectations.
A Zverev also started well at Hamburg when he’s 17 or 18, reached the SF there (lost to Ferrer). Zverev has reached top ten at age 20, let’s see what Shapo can do by 20. I’ve doubts he will be as good as Zverev by age 20.
Shapo plays go for broke tennis, it’s either hit or miss, unless he learns how to hit with precision, he’s not going to have much success playing like that. Zverev plays with controlled aggression, not missing much. Let’s see whether Shapo can learn to be more patient and more precise with his shots.
Shapovalov has a better mental game than Kyrgios already. Kyrgios is one of my favorite players due to his incredible talent and high entertainment when playing well but I wish he could bring that week in week out. This was a good week for him considering he’s still kind of coming back from injury and getting treatments still plus he got dumped by his girlfriend which obviously hurt him in DC. I think if he was fully fit he would’ve made the final this week. I really wish he hadn’t fallen at Queen’s a couple months ago. Maybe the break was good for him? I just hope he does well at the US Open. It’s been a rough year at the majors for Nick. I’d like to see him make some noise in Cincinnati and New York. He’s quite capable as is Zverev of course. Seems like both of those two could make the quarters given the injuries at the top of the game for Murray, Cilic, Djokovic, and Stan. I think we will get at least one surprise quarterfinalist. Like an unseeded player or something. That’s been the theme of the year everywhere it seems. It’s been Fedal, young guns, and underdogs all season. I mean four of this weeks quarter finalists were Mannarino, Shapovalov, Haase, and Schwartzman and two are in the semis. I really love to see all these unexpected runs this season. Also Haase, Mannarino, and Schwartzman might all get seeded in New York now!!
And I bring up Shapo’s mental game to basically say that he will likely have an amazing career if he is this talented and has a better mental game than Nick lol. But when Nick is on there’s almost nobody who can stop him. We will see how Denis progresses. Hopefully he keeps rising. He’s gonna be top 70 at least now.
Yes, what’s remarkable about Shapovalov is how smart he is playing, and without fear. That importance of that kind of mentality is hard to overestimate. I can definitely see him making the final here.
Go Sascha! It’s clear that Anderson has revenge on his mind and has made adjustments. That was a tough first set but Sascha got it 75!!! 😀
You really like Sascha, huh, RC? I do too, but I’ve always kind of liked Anderson too. I don’t think he gets a lot of love. But I admit I’d like to see Zverev vs. Shapovalov.
Big crush on Sascha since he has been winning LOL (joking) I liked him from the start when it wasn’t clear whether or not he’d grow up. But he’s calmed down and comports himself very well – charming young man. 🙂
Kevin seems like a perfectly nice guy but I have cheered for him now and then, like if he’s playing a favorite and I have a lot I like more than him. That’s all – don’t hate me for having a bias or two lol….
And I was wrong about Shapo. I thought he’d be too tired to beat Mannarino. I think the crowd keeps pulling him through. But YES! I want to see Sascha v Shapo!
Sascha is playing a bit too rushed — I think trying to get this over before the rain starts again. But that’s not a good idea! he has to concentrate and execute the right shots. Anderson is dangerous. If they stop the match I think it might be bad for Zev. Bah…..trouble holding serve. Anderson is tranquillo and Zev is rushing.
Yesssssssss!! Sascha beats Anderson again — in straight sets. Nice. Keving will really be gunning for him next time,lol
Congratulations to Sascha for winning and getting to the semis in Montreal!
Nny,
Did you get to watch Anderson/Zverev? Kevin wasn’t happy Sascha too the title in Wa, DC. I was expecting a tough, tense match. I got it. Would not have gone well if they had a tb and had to go to a decider. I might get my Sascha over Federer final hehehehe….my bracket pick. I though Rafa would beat Fed in the final, if he beat Sascha. But I took a chance on Sascha because he’s tuned up and playing with such confidence.
rc,
Yes I did get to see Sascha and Anderson. I need to get my Sascha fix! It was a good match. Anderson is playing well again, but Sascha is just too good right now.
I think it’s going to be a Sascha/Fed final. I thought that after Rafa lost. I can see why you picked Sascha. He seems to be in a groove right now.
Looking good!
?
The way Zverev is playing (getting better and better), I won’t be surprised he will win his second Masters title this year, at Montreal.
Fed wasn’t looking impressive so far, but was good enough to earn a break in each set to beat Agut in straight. Zverev may be the player who can beat Fed here if they meet; I don’t think Haase or Shapo has any chance against Fed.
z has tried at Halle but failed.
It would be more exciting to see Dennis in final with full support from crowd. Let’s see how Fed handle this, both hit beautiful backhand winners.
Shapo won’t make it to the final, imo. What’s so beautiful about Shapo’s BH? It’s still hit or miss, unlike Gasquet’s!
A Zverev couldn’t beat Fed in a grass court final as grass is Fed’s forte. On the HCs, Zverev has more chances (and on clay Zverev will be fav vs Fed!).
Shapo’s backhand looks beautiful is what fg is saying. Yeah it’s still a work in progress but it’s a beautiful stroke. That angle backhand he hit against Mannarino ?
Also, the crowd here will revere Fed as most crowd do, I doubt they would show disrespect towards Fed.
I just hope A Zverev can handle the not so classy rowdy crowd here in full support of their home boy.
Agree with you most likely not.
It’s my hope to see Daniel vs Fed.
Fed is double his age, and I like to see the crowd support. Anybody else playing Fed, most likely Fed gets more crowd support.
Would like to see new record 18 year old reaching M1000 final
Well? oh no. Shapo is up a break on Handsome ?
False alarm. I read the score wrong. phew. They are on serve first set 3-3
Go Sascha! Time to send Shap packing!
Nny,
TC commentators are bugging me. But if I’m honest – Shapo deserves the hype. Oh but he’s annoyingly good, dang it! He comes from outta nowhere…I didn’t foresee him as anything this special. I have been waiting for Felix — FAA
This is what I’m saying. I’m not trying to overhype a guy who beat Nadal. I’ve always thought Shapo is gonna be real good along with FAA but now he has just solidified that for me by making the freaking Montreal semis with wins over Rafa AND Del Po!!
No kidding, Benny!
Sascha is having more trouble with Shapo’s serve as the match wears on. And the pressure is making him over-hit.
Wonder if Sascha will be able to break? ?
Solid play from Zverev to take the first set. He really started to take control of the rallies at the end. Shapo not far behind and is playing pretty well. Just needs to start connecting a bit more for winners, and cut down on UE. Not counting him out yet.
yeah, he’s got me worried. some. thank goodness he’s not quite in control of ALL of his shots. But for 18, he’s coming along just fine. He’s a real attacker, this guy.
I can see him winning this LOL
Come on, Dennis. Play without fear and doubt, be the new star
Again Denis shows incredible mental toughness after being down a set and a break. But Zverev has reasserted control on his serve; he’s going to be tough to break again. Annoying that the crowd is cheering Z’s double faults. Luckily, things don’t seem to bother him.
Yeah the Canadian crowd is pretty stupid. Cheering way too loudly on double faults. A few claps I understand I guess but all the cheering is bullshit.
Huge hold for Zverev, down triple break point. Denis will be pretty disappointed with that.
I’m afraid to say it but I think Denis could lose this 6-4 now. That was his game to win and he blew it. Zverev handed him the opportunities and he didn’t take them.