Toronto : The Canadian Open witnessed drama, resilience, and a chance for new stars to shine as top seeds Alexander Zverev and Coco Gauff both advanced to the third round, overcoming early challenges in a tournament marked by high-profile withdrawals.
Alexander Zverev, Germany’s top men’s seed in the absence of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, secured a hard-fought 7-6(8-6), 6-4 victory over qualifier Adam Walton. It wasn’t Zverev’s cleanest performance, as he returned to court for his first match since a disappointing Wimbledon exit, but the Olympic champion held firm in the clutch, especially during a tight first-set tiebreaker. He credited his mental toughness for grinding out the win and expressed confidence in regaining top form as the tournament progresses. Zverev is now set to meet Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in the third round.
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff continued her momentum as the reigning French Open champion, surviving a nerve-wracking three-set battle against American compatriot Danielle Collins. Gauff edged a thrilling match 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7-2) that stretched to nearly three hours. Despite tallying a staggering 23 double faults and 74 unforced errors, Gauff again proved her fighting spirit. It was the first time the two Americans had faced off, and it lived up to expectations, blending power and intensity in equal measure.
Both players assumed top seed positions after a wave of withdrawals, including that of Aryna Sabalenka on the women’s side, setting the stage for a more unpredictable draw. Their presence lends stability and spectacle to an event that has opened doors for rising Canadian talents and other up-and-comers in both ATP and WTA brackets.
As the National Bank Open unfolds in Toronto (ATP) and Montreal (WTA), all eyes remain on Zverev and Gauff to carry the top-seeded mantle deep into the tournament — and perhaps, to the title.
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