Montreal Open 2026: Top Seeds Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev Knocked Out; Local Favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime Withdraws
Top seeds Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev faced surprising defeats, while home favourite Félix Auger-Aliassime withdrew due to a back injury, marking a dramatic day of early exits at the National Bank Open in Montreal on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The ATP Masters 1000 tournament saw its top players tumble, reshaping the competition landscape.
The ATP Masters 1000 National Bank Open in Montreal witnessed a dramatic series of upsets and a significant withdrawal on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, as three of the tournament's biggest names exited the competition. Top seeds Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev both suffered unexpected defeats in their opening matches, while local favourite Félix Auger-Aliassime pulled out due to a back injury, stunning fans at the IGA Stadium. Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws From Cincinnati Open; US Open 2026 Participation Unclear.
Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev Sent Packing
World No. 1 and top seed Alexander Zverev, 29, was the first major casualty of the day, falling to the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor in a gripping three-set encounter. Griekspoor, ranked considerably lower, defied a 2-9 head-to-head record against the German, clinching the match with a 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4 victory.
Later in the evening, Daniil Medvedev, the tournament's No. 4 seed and 2021 champion, also met an early end. The 30-year-old Russian was overcome by world No. 70 Botic van de Zandschulp, also from the Netherlands, in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(5).
Felix Auger-Aliassime's Heartbreaking Withdrawal
Adding to the tournament's tumultuous Wednesday was the unfortunate withdrawal of Canadian No. 2 seed Félix Auger-Aliassime. The 25-year-old Montreal native, a significant crowd favourite and a player with high hopes for the event, announced his decision just two hours before his scheduled second-round match against French qualifier Titouan Droguet. Auger-Aliassime cited a sudden and sharp back pain, sustained during practice on Monday, August 3, 2026, as the reason for his exit.
"I felt sudden and sharp pain in my back during practice Monday afternoon, though everything was going well in our preparation up until that point," Auger-Aliassime stated in a press conference. He added, "I got on the court and couldn't serve. So, it was impossible for me to play at the level the competition demands." His withdrawal marks the highest seeding a Canadian male has ever held at the tournament in the Open Era. Montreal Masters 2026: World No 1 Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic Withdraw From National Bank Open.
Impact on the Tournament
The collective exits of Zverev, Medvedev, and Auger-Aliassime have profoundly reshaped the landscape of the National Bank Open singles draw. With three of the top four seeds now out, the path to the final opens up significantly for other contenders. The unexpected results underscore the unpredictable nature of ATP Masters 1000 events, where even the most dominant players can face early challenges. This series of events has sent shockwaves through the tournament, leaving fans eager to see who will seize the opportunity in the absence of some of the sport's biggest stars.
Key Exits Summary
| Player | Seed | Age | Opponent / Reason for Exit | Score / Status | Stage | Date of Exit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Zverev | 1 | 29 | Tallon Griekspoor | 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4 (Loss) | Second Round | August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Félix Auger-Aliassime | 2 | 25 | Back Injury (vs. T. Droguet) | Withdrew | Second Round | August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Daniil Medvedev | 4 | 30 | Botic van de Zandschulp | 6-3, 7-6(5) (Loss) | Second Round | August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) |
This dramatic day at the National Bank Open sets the stage for a wide-open tournament, promising an exciting and unpredictable remainder of the competition in Montreal. Tennis fans worldwide will be keenly watching to see which players rise to the occasion following these major early upsets and withdrawals.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2026 11:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
