Zverev Reaches 500 Career Wins in Toronto Masters

Germany’s Alexander Zverev claimed his 500th ATP Tour victory after defeating Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-2 in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto. The 28-year-old, currently ranked world No. 3 and the tournament’s top seed, becomes the fifth active player to reach 500 career wins, holding a 500–212 win-loss record.

Zverev broke Arnaldi twice in the decisive third set to book his place in the fourth round, marking his second win over the Italian this year following a previous victory in Acapulco. After a grueling 82-minute first set, Zverev found his rhythm and improved his level as the match progressed.

Reflecting on the milestone, Zverev said, “Not many players can say they’ve done that,” before adding jokingly, “But I want 500 more, maybe even more than that. You always want to win more matches.”

Zverev, who owns 24 ATP titles, will next face Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo, who defeated fellow countryman Tomás Etcheverry 6-3, 6-4. “I started playing better from the baseline and found my rhythm a bit,” said Zverev, despite admitting some discomfort on his backhand side.

Musetti Sudden Lose

World No. 10 Lorenzo Musetti suffered a surprise defeat to rising American star Alex Michelsen (ranked No. 34), who came back to win 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4. The Italian, seeded third in Toronto and a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, took the first set after breaking early in the fourth game.

However, Michelsen held serve throughout the second set, edging the tiebreak 7-4. In the deciding set, despite being broken early (0-2), the 20-year-old American broke back in the next game and again in the fifth to win it 6-4.

“It feels great. I’m exhausted, but I got the win. I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Michelsen, adding, “I played aggressive tennis and executed my shots well.”

Michelsen will next meet fellow American Learner Tien, who upset compatriot Reilly Opelka 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.

Denmark’s Holger Rune cruised past France’s Alexandre Muller 6-2, 6-4, setting up a match with defending champion Alexei Popyrin, who shocked Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in three sets (5-7, 6-4, 6-4).

Norwegian Casper Ruud, returning to form after injury troubles, overcame Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7-5, 6-4 despite trailing 1-4 in the first set. Ruud, who had lost to Borges at Roland Garros, secured his 20th win of the season and landed 9 aces.

“I struggled in the first set, but I managed to come back. One break of serve changes everything,” said Ruud. “My returns and exchanges improved.”

Next, Ruud will face Russia’s Karen Khachanov (ranked 11), who rallied from a set down to beat American Emilio Nava 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-1. Ruud and Khachanov last met in the 2022 US Open semifinals, where Ruud emerged victorious.

Whether you’re backing Zverev’s 500th win or riding the wave with rising stars like Michelsen, Betway remains the go-to online betting site in Kuwait for fans who live for every serve and break point.