Zverev Reaches 500 Wins, Michelsen and Ruud Advance in Thrilling Day at Toronto Masters

Posted : 01 August 2025

Alexander Zverev celebrated a major milestone at the Toronto Masters on Thursday, earning his 500th career ATP match victory. The top-seeded German had to battle from a set down to defeat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2 and reach the fourth round of the tournament. After dropping a tightly contested opening set that lasted 82 minutes, Zverev found his rhythm from the baseline and broke Arnaldi twice in the final set to seal the win.

Speaking after the match, Zverev reflected on the significance of the achievement: “It’s a great accomplishment. Not many players make it to 500 wins. But I want 500 more — maybe even more,” he said with a smile. Zverev, who owns 24 ATP titles, previously beat Arnaldi earlier this year in Acapulco. He will next face Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, who defeated compatriot Tomas Etcheverry 6-3, 6-4.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old American Alex Michelsen recorded one of the most impressive wins of his career by upsetting third-seeded Lorenzo Musetti in three sets, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. Despite tallying nearly 50 unforced errors and converting only two of nine break opportunities, Michelsen managed to secure victory on his seventh match point. It was his first time reaching the fourth round at a Masters 1000 event, and his second career win over a top-10 opponent.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work and it’s starting to show,” said Michelsen, currently ranked 26th. “Today I played offensively and returned well — that made the difference.” He will now face fellow American Learner Tien, who defeated Reilly Opelka 7-6(3), 6-3, for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Elsewhere, fifth-seeded Holger Rune advanced with a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 win over France’s Alexandre Muller, showcasing his growing consistency on hard courts.

Eighth seed Casper Ruud also booked his place in the last 16, overcoming a sluggish start to defeat Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7-5, 6-4. The Norwegian, who was competing in just his fourth match since the French Open due to injury, found himself trailing 4-1 in the first set. However, he clawed his way back, saved break points, and took full control of the match with strong serving and patient baseline play.

“I just had to hang in there. One break can turn everything around,” Ruud said, after firing nine aces. The win was especially satisfying as Borges had beaten Ruud earlier this year at Roland Garros. Next up for the Norwegian is a rematch with 11th seed Karen Khachanov, who battled past American qualifier Emilio Nava 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-1.

Ruud and Khachanov last met in the 2022 US Open semifinal, which Ruud won in four sets. With several top seeds surviving tough challenges and emerging stars making waves, the Toronto Masters is setting up for a thrilling finish.

Zverev Reaches 500 Wins, Michelsen and Ruud Advance in Thrilling Day at Toronto Masters

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