Ranking tumble inevitable for Popyrin following loss to world No.3 as back-to-back dream ends

(Getty/Matthew Stockman)

Another remarkable run in Canada has come to an end for Alexei Popyrin, which could pose dire consequences ahead of the US Open.

The defending champion looked the more confident player against world No.3 Alexander Zverev in the first set since saving a break point in the opening game, and he was rewarded to claim the tiebreak after fending off two set points.

But Zverev, who has won seven Masters titles, showcased his class to gain a vital early break in sets two and three to pull away 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 in two hours and 42 minutes.

By entering the code TFS2025, you will receive 15% off the RRP on all non-sale items when you shop online at www.racquetworld.com.au

The German star extends his head-to-head record over Popyrin to a convincing 4-0.

"I think it was a high-level match. He's top three in the world for a reason," Popyrin told the press.

"I think in the first set, mainly, I was probably the more aggressive player, and then he kind of got in his rhythm. I did a good job just clawing back a break [from 1-4 down in the second set], and he played an unbelievable game to break at 5-4.

"Third set, it was a battle of the fittest. He came out serving bombs, and I didn't really have chances on his serve."

The Junior Journey with Beti Sekulovski and Michael Logarzo unpacks the junior tennis landscape in Australia – The First Serve Podcasts

The defeat snaps Popyrin's nine-match win streak in Canada, dating back to last year when he conquered Montreal to become the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt to win a Masters crown.

Since Montreal last year, he has recorded a 10-16 win-loss record in all other ATP tour events on hard courts.

But with coach Wayne Ferreira having stuck by his side for the past few months, Popyrin has regained a spark that he hopes will continue.

"Overall, my level is there. I haven't felt like this all year, which is nice. I feel like I'm slowly starting to build something," he said confidently.

The defeat means Popyrin will fall outside of the world's top 30, having failed to defend his 1000 ranking points, but when asked about momentarily cracking the top 20 for the first time in his career, he said with a laugh, "It won't be for long, mate... It's going to be in and out for me."

Depending on his result at the upcoming Cincinnati Masters, Popyrin could miss out on a top 32 seed at the US Open. The official seedings will be determined as of August 18.

There was tension between Zverev and a member of the crowd in the latter stages, as the three-time major finalist waved to a heckler muttering "bye bye" before shaking hands with Popyrin at the net.

Zverev and 11th seed Karen Khachanov make up the first semi-final in Toronto.

Cremonini Clay specialises in converting en tout cas tennis courts into Cremonini Italian clay tennis courts at a fraction of the cost of a total court rebuild, with over 50 years of experience. To find out more, head to www.cremoniniclay.com.au