Zverev shakes off interruption to reach Toronto semis

Alexander Zverev ignored a distraction from the stands at the Toronto Masters on Monday to move into the Canadian semi-finals for the second time in his career.

The top seed prevailed over holder Alexei Popyrin 6-7 (8/10), 6-4, 6-3, powering through to the win after a rowdy fan interrupted play and was tossed out by security.

The German who won a title in Canada eight years ago double-faulted after winning 14 straight points on his serve after a man yelled out during serve at 5-3 in the final set.

The world No. 3 regained his concentration to finish off his quarter-final win after two and a half hours, firing over a volley winner on match point.

Zverev now owns 40 match wins this season, second only to Carlos Alcaraz. He had not passed the Canadian quarters since his 2017 title.

“After losing the first set, I had to tell myself we were both playing well,” the holder of seven Masters trophies said.

“I had one or two mistakes at the end of the first, but it was a high-level match.

“I felt that if I kept playing well, I would get my chances — and I did. I can’t complain about the second and third sets.”