At the National Bank Open in Toronto on Friday, sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia recovered after losing the first set to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 and advance to the fourth round. Rublev’s performance was marked by six aces and 29 winners overall, demonstrating resilience and tactical adjustments as the match progressed.
Reflecting on his comeback, Rublev told the Tennis Channel,
The main thing today, I was able to be mentally really good,
and added,
After the first set, I didn’t (go) down. I was, like, OK, let’s keep fighting, keep being positive … then I was able to create more things, like to go to the net.
—Andrey Rublev, Player
Notable Upsets Shake Up the Draw
Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, seeded 20th, pulled off an upset by defeating 12th-seeded Jakub Mensik of Czechia 6-2, 6-4. Davidovich Fokina’s success was underscored by converting all four break points and winning nearly half of his return points, outperforming Mensik’s return statistics. This victory sets up a fourth-round match against Andrey Rublev.
Another upset took place as Czech Jiri Lehecka, the 19th seed, rallied past 15th-seeded Arthur Fils from France in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Lehecka’s 12 aces on the hardcourt contrasted with Fils’ three, providing a key edge in the contest.
Frances Tiafoe Advances to Face Top Australian Opponent
Seventh-seeded Frances Tiafoe secured a tough 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic, moving on to a fourth-round showdown with fellow Australian and ninth seed Alex de Minaur scheduled for Sunday. The match showcased Tiafoe’s ability to regain momentum following a lost second set. Meanwhile, Italy’s 13th seed Flavio Cobolli served impressively, reaching 135 mph in his 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 win against Hungary’s Fabian Maroszan.
Implications for Tournament Progression
With these results, the competition at the National Bank Open intensifies as higher-seeded players like Rublev and Tiafoe advance while facing in-form opponents such as Davidovich Fokina and de Minaur. The upcoming rounds promise compelling matchups that will test the endurance and skill of the remaining contenders in this important hardcourt event.