Did Zverev, Rune, and Musetti Shine in Toronto's Opener?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Top seed Alexander Zverev advanced with a solid win.
- Casper Ruud shows promise in his return to form.
- Holger Rune successfully comes back after injury.
- Lorenzo Musetti ends his losing streak.
- The competition is heating up in Toronto!
Toronto, July 30 (NationPress) The top seed Alexander Zverev kicked off his journey at the Canadian Open by defeating Adam Walton with a score of 7-6(6), 6-4. The 28-year-old showcased remarkable endurance during a pivotal rally to secure set point in the first set.
After falling behind 3-5 in the tie-break, Zverev regained his rhythm following that grueling exchange at 5-5, ultimately leading to his victory. Despite being broken while serving for the match at 5-3, he quickly recovered to finish the match, which lasted one hour and 42 minutes, as reported by ATP.
A seven-time ATP Masters 1000 champion, including a win in Canada back in 2017, the No. 3 ranked player in the ATP standings now looks to expand his titles against 32nd seed Matteo Arnaldi, who triumphed over Australian Tristan Schoolkate 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Zverev currently leads their head-to-head encounters 1-0, with their only match taking place in Acapulco earlier this year.
Eighth seed Casper Ruud, participating in his second tournament since the Roland Garros, swiftly defeated Roman Safiullin 6-3, 6-3. Next, he will face Nuno Borges, who came from behind to beat Argentine qualifier Facundo Bagnis 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-2.
After pulling out of his opening match in Washington last week due to back issues, Holger Rune made a strong return, winning 7-6(7), 6-3 in Toronto, marking his first hard-court victory since reaching the final at Indian Wells in March. Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev overcame lucky loser Dalibor Svrcina 7-6(3), 6-4, although the 2021 champion seeks further improvement in his performance.
Lorenzo Musetti, currently sixth in the Live Race and aiming for a debut at the ATP Finals, also passed his initial Toronto challenge in straight sets, defeating James Duckworth 7-5, 6-1. This victory marked the end of a three-match losing streak following first-round exits at Wimbledon and Washington.
Musetti will next face Alex Michelsen, who narrowly defeated Tomas Barrios Vera 7-6(7), 6-3 in a tense second-round match.