'Bye Bye': Alexander Zverev Waves Off Heckler After Outplaying Alexei Popyrin In Fiery Canadian Open Quarterfinal; Video
Alexander Zverev’s quarterfinal win over Alexei Popyrin at the Canadian Open was not only about skill and grit on the court, it was also about composure in the face of unexpected off-court distraction.
The turning point of the match came not during a baseline rally or a set point, but in a bizarre moment when Zverev was serving for the match at 5–3, 30–0 in the final set. As the German star prepared to toss the ball, a spectator in the stands loudly interrupted with a shout, causing Zverev to falter and deliver his first double fault of the match after 14 consecutive flawless service points.
Unshaken, Zverev immediately addressed the situation, looking toward the stands and calmly requesting, “Can you please be quiet?” The chair umpire swiftly took control, and security removed the disruptive spectator to loud applause from the Toronto crowd. Just minutes later, after clinching the match point, Zverev turned back toward the section where the heckler had sat and waved, uttering a curt and clearly intended “bye-bye,” a moment that quickly went viral.
Zverev later confirmed that the interruption didn’t rattle him mentally but emphasized the importance of maintaining respect between fans and players. His cool-headed reaction under pressure only enhanced what was already a determined comeback effort on court.
He now prepares to face Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the semifinals, carrying a strong 5–2 head-to-head record into the clash. But for many watching, it was Zverev’s composure under heckling that truly defined his quarterfinal performance, a reminder that tennis, at its core, is as much mental as it is physical.
'It's Not Always With You': Flavio Cobolli Exchanges Heated Words With Ben Shelton After Canadian Open Loss; Video
American tennis star Ben Shelton won a tense match against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli at the 2025 Canadian Open, reaching his 100th career ATP win. The match was a close one, ending 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(1), with Shelton making a strong comeback in the final set tiebreak.
But what made headlines wasn’t just the win, it was a heated exchange at the net after the match. Cobolli told Shelton, “You deserved this match, but it’s not always with you,” which led to a short but tense chat between the two players.
Shelton later explained that Cobolli had made a gesture during the match that he thought was aimed at him, but Cobolli said it wasn’t. The two cleared the air afterward, and Shelton said they were “cool.”
This victory is special for Shelton. He’s now one of the few young players to reach 100 tour-level wins and has made it to the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 tournament for the fourth time. Up next, he will face Alex de Minaur, and if he wins, it will be his first Masters semifinal.
Despite the drama, Shelton showed great focus and resilience, something that’s becoming his trademark on the ATP tour.
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