Casper Ruud, world No.5, Alexander Zverev and Andy Murray qualified for the Masters 1000 in Toronto (hard) on Tuesday, while Félix Auger-Aliassime, seeded No.10, was eliminated. For his entry into the running, the Norwegian Casper Ruud, finalist this year at Roland-Garros, dismissed the Czech Jiri Lehecka, 36th in the world, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, after a complicated first round where he committed 6 double faults.
In very windy conditions, the German Alexander Zverev, 16th in the world and winner in Toronto in 2017, eliminated the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, recent finalist in Washington, in the first round, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3). The Scot Andy Murray (40th), 36 years old and winner of the event three times, defeated Lorenzo Sonego 7-6 (7/3), 6-0, well helped by the 44 unforced errors of the ‘Italian.
It’s already over on the contrary for the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime, who conceded a fifth consecutive defeat on the circuit. In front of his home crowd, the world No.12, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday, was beaten by Max Purcell 6-4, 6-4. The Australian, 78th in the world, will challenge Murray in the next round.