Birthday boy Popyrin wins in Montreal

Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin has marked his 27th birthday with a significant victory, advancing to the third round of the Montreal Masters. Popyrin secured a commanding 6-4, 6-3 win over Belgium's 32nd-seeded Raphaël Collignon in a match lasting just 76 minutes.

This win continues Popyrin's strong record in Montreal, marking his third consecutive appearance in the tournament's round of 32. The former world number 19, currently ranked 139, earned his spot in the main draw by defeating fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis and then secured his first ATP-level win since May by beating Román Andrés Burruchaga in the first round.

Popyrin's powerful serve was a key factor in his success against Collignon. He fired down 10 aces, won an impressive 84% of points on his first serve, and crucially, did not face a single break point. He converted three of his nine break-point opportunities to secure the win.

Looking ahead, Popyrin is set to face another Argentine opponent, Thiago Tirante, in the next round. Tirante caused an upset by defeating the world number 9 and seventh-seeded American Taylor Fritz. Meanwhile, in the women's WTA event in Toronto, Australian Daria Kasatkina lost a lengthy three-set match to second seed Elena Rybakina, while young qualifier Maya Joint secured a place in the third round by defeating Sorana Cîrstea.