In yet another shocking twist, a highly-ranked seed has exited the National Bank Open presented by Rogers earlier than expected.
The No. 3 seed, Australia’s Alex De Minaur, faced off against unseeded English contender Cam Norrie in the Round of 32, ultimately succumbing with a scoreline of 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-1 on Thursday in Montreal.
With De Minaur’s unexpected defeat, it marks the exit of all top four seeds and six out of the seven highest-ranked players in the men’s draw from the tournament.
The only surviving contender from the top ranks is No. 5 American Ben Shelton, who is set to compete in his own Round of 32 match on Friday.
De Minaur appeared poised for victory, holding a double-break advantage in the second set and even earning a match point. But after 62 tense minutes, Norrie’s stunning resurgence led to De Minaur’s unraveling.
Norrie is now set to face France’s Arthur Fils, the 18th seed, who triumphed over unseeded Argentinian Mariano Navone in straight sets earlier on Thursday.
