Zverev and Fritz stunned in Montreal Masters openers, Shelton advances

The Montreal Masters got off to a rough start for two top seeds. Germany's Alexander Zverev, seeded No.3 and exempt from the first round, fell to Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 7:6, 2:6, 4:6 in the second round. Griekspoor is currently ranked 69th and has a career-high ranking of 21st. Zverev was a heavy favorite, with bookmakers offering odds of just 1.14 on the 29-year-old.

Zverev saved a set point in the 12th game of the opener, then took the tie-break 7-3 after leading 5-0. In the second set he dropped to 0:4 and lost. In the deciding set, the German leveled at 4:4 but failed to hold serve again, losing the set 4:6. Griekspoor was better in key stats, including first-serve points won (82% to 71%), second-serve points won (60% to 41%) and total points (94 to 78). Zverev converted his only break point, while Griekspoor converted 4 of 9. Zverev recorded 10 aces and 4 double faults, while Griekspoor had 8 aces and 2 double faults. Griekspoor now leads their head-to-head 9-3.

Taylor Fritz, the American No.1 and eighth seed, also lost his second-round opener. The 28-year-old, who had a bye, was beaten by Argentine Thiago Tirante 5:7, 3:6. Tirante is ranked 65th and reached a career-high 52nd. Bookmakers had Fritz as the favorite with 1.16 odds. The American was outplayed on first-serve points (63% to 96%), second-serve points (55% to 67%) and total points (53 to 73). He failed to convert any of his four break chances, while Tirante converted 3 of 6. Fritz served nine aces and double-faulted twice, compared to four aces and one double fault for Tirante. Fritz had won his first ATP 500 title in Washington on August 3, but could not carry that form to Montreal.

Ben Shelton, the No.10 seed and second American in the top rankings, advanced by beating compatriot Jason Brooksby 6:3, 7:5. Brooksby is currently 74th in the rankings, with a career-high of 33rd. Shelton, also exempt from the first round, will continue in the tournament.