Montreal’s biggest early shock: top seed Alexander Zverev lost to Tallon Griekspoor 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4. Defending champion Ben Shelton advanced, while Félix Auger-Aliassime withdrew with a back injury.
The upset
Griekspoor dropped the first-set tiebreak, then reset and attacked Zverev’s second serve to take the next two sets.
Who’s left
Shelton remains a clear title threat. With FAA out and Zverev gone, mid-draw names suddenly matter more.
Coverage continues in tennis.
Hard-court path
Deep Montreal runs buy match rhythm before Cincinnati and the US Open.
Why Zverev’s exit hits harder
As the logical top seed, an R2 loss reshapes both the Montreal bracket and his hard-court points path to the US Open. Griekspoor gets a career scalp; everyone else gets a softer paper favourite.
With FAA also gone, Shelton is the clearest remaining headline threat if he keeps serving through tiebreaks.
Bottom line
The favourite is gone. Shelton and the open quarters now own the tournament narrative.
Bottom line
The favourite is gone. Shelton and the open quarters now own the tournament narrative.
Montreal without Zverev
Losing the paper favourite opens an entire quarter and softens the whole draw — especially with FAA also out. Griekspoor has a career scalp; mid-seeds suddenly look like section favourites.
Shelton remains the clearest remaining headline if he serves through tiebreaks. Track first-serve percentage, break points saved, and return quality on second serves — those three usually decide Montreal hard courts before highlight-reel rallies do. The third round will show who inherits the section with real hard-court serving.
Road to the US Open
Zverev’s early exit hits hard-court points and confidence before New York. Griekspoor gains ranking belief; Shelton defends a title in a suddenly open draw. The next 48–72 hours will show whether the upset was a one-off or the start of a redrawn tournament — first-serve stability and tiebreak nerve usually decide.
FAQ
Who beat Zverev?
Tallon Griekspoor.
Score?
6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4.
Shelton?
Through after beating Brooksby.
The bracket is open — third-round week will sort the real contenders.
