MONTREAL – In an exhilarating start to Friday’s action at IGA Stadium, Dutch sensation Tallon Griekspoor stunned the No. 30 seed and semi-finalist of the 2024 National Bank Open, Matteo Arnaldi, with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Griekspoor, who made headlines earlier this week by defeating top seed Alexander Zverev in the second round, now advances to the Round of 16 at an ATP Masters 1000 event for the fifth time in his career—marking his first appearance in this stage this season.
The talented Dutchman is set to face off against 21-year-old Spaniard Daniel Merida, who secured his spot in the Round of 16 by overcoming American Alex Michelsen with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-1 on Rogers Court.
Merida has been on a hot streak, winning nine of his last 10 matches since Wimbledon, and this marks his maiden advancement to the fourth round of a Masters 1000 tournament.
Ben Shelton, the tournament’s highest seed and world No. 10, is scheduled to compete against Belgian Zizou Bergs, the No. 31 seed, to conclude the day session.
The fifth-seeded Shelton, a defending champion of the National Bank Open, clinched his first Masters 1000 title right here in Toronto last summer.
On Rogers Court, Polish player Hubert Hurkacz will take on Botic van de Zandschulp later this afternoon.
Following that, No. 13 seed Jakub Mensik from Czechia will face off against Frenchman Terence Atmane.
The thrilling night session on Centre Court showcases a clash between ninth-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway and rising Brazilian star Joao Fonseca, who previously defeated Ruud in the fourth round of the French Open this season.
Wrapping up Friday’s third-round singles slate will be an exciting all-American showdown involving Learner Tien and Tommy Paul, followed by 2024 National Bank Open champion Alexei Popyrin going against Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante.
