Washington, D.C. champion Sebastian Korda will try to keep up his hot streak against a similarly in-form Alexander Zverev on Sunday in Montreal. Hubert Hurkacz and Alexei Popyrin are also taking the court in the quarterfinals.
Sebastian Korda vs. (2) Alexander Zverev
Korda could not have asked for a more ideal week at the National Bank Open on the heels of his biggest career title in Washington, D.C. Fatigue could have been a factor at this Masters 1000 event in Montreal, but the 18th-ranked American’s trek to the quarterfinals really featured just a single match. He got a retirement from Vasek Pospisil after three games, benefited from a walkover against Casper Ruud in the third round, and in between beat Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6(4).
Up next for Korda on Sunday is a first-ever encounter with Zverev, who has also barely broken a sweat north of the border. The fourth-ranked German followed up a first-round bye with straight-set defeats of Jordan Thompson (6-1, 6-1) and Holger Rune (6-3, 7-6(5)). Zverev is now a sparkling 49-14 for his 2024 campaign. Despite Korda’s good fortune in Montreal, it has still been a demanding two weeks at the office. Zverev is also playing great and should have both the mental and physical edge if this a long, competitive contest.
Pick: Zverev in 3
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Alexei Popyrin vs. (4) Hubert Hurkacz
To say that a Hurkacz vs. Popyrin quarterfinal clash in Montreal was improbable would be a gross understatement. It was unlikely when the week began because Popyrin is unseeded and Hurkacz underwent meniscus surgery less than a month ago. It became even more of a longshot when Hurkacz had to play two matches–both three-setters–on the same day and when Popyrin faced three match points against Grigor Dimitrov.
Despite all of those obstacles, they will be going head-to-head for the fourth time in their careers on Sunday. Hurkacz has won all three of their previous meetings in straight sets, although their second set at last summer’s Cincinnati Masters went to 10-8 in the second-set tiebreaker. Hurkacz, who injured his knee at Wimbledon, outlasted Thanasi Kokkinakis in a third-set ‘breaker on Saturday afternoon and then got right back on the court to overcome Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. That is some impressive but rough stuff for a player coming off a rather significant knee injury, so don’t be surprised if a confident Popyrin takes advantage of this opportunity.
Pick: Popyrin in 3
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