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As the National Bank Open in Toronto heads into its final stages, the pressure intensifies with every match. Friday’s third-round action was a perfect showcase of the mental fortitude required to succeed at a Masters 1000 event, where every opponent is a world-class talent. It was a day that tested the nerve of the world’s best, producing thrilling three-set battles and surprising upsets that are sure to have sports handicappers adjusting their models for the weekend. While some top seeds, like Andrey Rublev, had to dig deep to survive and advance, others weren’t as fortunate, as a pair of rising stars were sent packing by determined underdogs.
Rublev’s Mental Fortitude Leads Comeback Wins and Upsets in Toronto
Sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev showcased his championship mentality, shrugging off a first-set loss to battle back for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. After a tight opening set slipped away, Rublev refocused and began to impose his powerful baseline game, finishing the match with 29 winners. The key, according to Rublev, was his mindset. “The main thing today, I was able to be mentally really good,” Rublev said after the match. “After the first set, I didn’t (go) down. I was, like, OK, let’s keep fighting, keep being positive.” His ability to battle back keeps his title hopes alive and solidifies his position as a favorite on most sports picks sites.
| Match Stats | Andrey Rublev [6] | Lorenzo Sonego |
| Aces | 6 | 4 |
| Winners | 29 | 21 |
| Sets Won | 2 | 1 |
Davidovich Fokina Dominates on Return in Upset Win
Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the No. 20 seed, played a brilliant tactical match to score an impressive 6-2, 6-4 upset over the 12th-seeded Jakub Mensik of Czechia. The story of the match was the Spaniard’s incredible return game. He was relentless in pressuring Mensik’s serve, winning nearly half of all return points and converting every single one of his break point opportunities.
| Return Game Breakdown | A. Davidovich Fokina [20] | Jakub Mensik [12] |
| Return Points Won | 28 of 57 (49.1%) | 14 of 48 (29.2%) |
| Break Points Converted | 4 of 4 (100%) | 1 of 3 (33%) |
Lehecka’s Huge Serving Keys Another Upset
The day’s other big upset came as No. 19 seed Jiri Lehecka of Czechia rallied to defeat No. 15 seed Arthur Fils of France, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. After dropping the first set, Lehecka found his rhythm on serve and completely turned the match around. His powerful and precise serving was the key difference-maker, as he blasted 12 aces to his opponent’s three. The upsets of Mensik and Fils have shaken up this section of the draw, a development that will be reflected in the updated tournament leaderboard.
| Serving Advantage | Jiri Lehecka [19] | Arthur Fils [15] |
| Aces | 12 | 3 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 4 |
Tiafoe and Cobolli Survive Tough Tests
Other seeded players also had to battle hard to advance. American No. 7 seed Frances Tiafoe was pushed to three sets by Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic before prevailing 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Italy’s No. 13 seed Flavio Cobolli also needed a decider to get past Hungary’s Fabian Maroszan, showcasing his own impressive power by clocking a 135 mph serve during the match.
Looking Ahead to the Fourth Round
Friday’s results have set up some blockbuster fourth-round matchups. Andrey Rublev will have to contend with the brilliant return game of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in what promises to be a fascinating clash of styles. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe will face a tough test against the speedy Australian, ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur. With the quarterfinals on the line, the odds and scores for these marquee matchups will be a major focus for tennis fans.
