Pick, best bet at ATP Toronto

Something about Canada suits Alexei Popyrin.

The Australian has never lost a match at the Canadian Masters, winning the title on debut in Montreal last year and going 3-0 in Toronto in 2025. 

Even more peculiar is the fact that Popyrin had never been to a final at any event above a 250-level in his career, making his breakthrough win as an unseeded player in 2024 all the more stunning.

Popyrin won’t have snuck up on anybody in Canada this year, but it is still a bit of a surprise to see the World No. 26 with a chance to make his second consecutive trip to the semifinals in this event.

He’s a decided underdog against Alexander Zverev, but Popyrin will be brimming with confidence considering his record above the 49th parallel. 

A deep run in Canada would be just what the doctor ordered for Zverev, who is the No. 1 seed in this field with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz not partaking, as he looks to stabilize himself after getting upset by World No. 72 Arthur Rinderknech in Round 1 at Wimbledon.

And even though the odds suggest that Zverev should win this match three times out of four, this is hardly a straightforward task.

Not only is Popyrin undefeated in this event, but he’s left some serious players in his wake. The 25-year-old has already defeated Holger Rune and Daniil Medvedev in this tournament, and he owns an impressive 13-16 record against top-10 opponents in his career.

He’s good value to add to that total on Monday.

The Play: Alexei Popyrin +250 (bet365)