Alexander Zverev Reaches 500 Career Wins with Gritty Comeback in Toronto

Alexander Zverev hit a career milestone Thursday night, securing his 500th tour-level match win at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers in Toronto. The 28-year-old German battled past Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in a grueling 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2 victory that took nearly three hours.

Zverev Becomes Youngest Active Player to Hit 500 Wins

Zverev now holds a 500-212 career record, making him the fifth active ATP player and the youngest to reach the 500-win mark. He joins an elite group that includes Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils, and Marin Cilic.

He’s also only the third German to reach the milestone in the Open Era, after Boris Becker and Tommy Haas.

“It’s a great achievement,” Zverev said after the match. “You wish to play on Tour and have a successful career. 500 wins is definitely a milestone.”

A Hard-Fought Win Over Arnaldi

Facing 32nd seed Matteo Arnaldi, Zverev struggled early, dropping the first set in a tiebreak. He made key unforced errors, including a missed backhand volley and a double fault on set points. But from the second set onward, Zverev raised his level.

He dominated with his first serve, dropping only four points behind it in sets two and three. He also became more aggressive at the net, converting 19 of 26 net points.

This win improves Zverev’s 2025 season record to 37-14 and his head-to-head against Arnaldi to 2-0.

Next Challenge: Cerundolo Rematch

Zverev now prepares for a tough fourth-round matchup against 14th seed Francisco Cerundolo, who leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 3-0. Two of those wins came this year in Buenos Aires and Madrid, making this another test for Zverev’s comeback narrative.

Cerundolo advanced after beating fellow Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-3, 6-4.

Career Comeback and Climb

Zverev’s 500th win is the latest chapter in a career defined by both talent and resilience. After a severe ankle injury in the 2022 French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal, many questioned his future. But since returning, Zverev has captured multiple titles, reached two Grand Slam finals, and re-established himself as a top-three player.

In 2024, he claimed two Masters 1000 titles and reached his first Roland Garros final, followed by another Grand Slam final in Melbourne this year. Though he lost both to rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Zverev remains one of the few players to beat both at majors.

Rune, Ruud Also Advance

Elsewhere in Toronto, fifth seed Holger Rune continued his strong form with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Alexandre Muller. Rune didn’t face a single break point and awaits the winner between Daniil Medvedev and Alexei Popyrin.

Casper Ruud, the eighth seed, defeated Nuno Borges 7-5, 6-4 to set up a fourth-round clash with 11th seed Karen Khachanov, who overcame Emilio Nava in three sets.

As the tournament progresses, Zverev’s next match could be another defining moment in a season that has already seen him reach new heights.

Do you think Zverev can break through and win his first Grand Slam this year?

More…

• https://www.atptour.com/en/news/zverev-arnaldi-toronto-2025-thursday
• https://www.foxsports.com/articles/tennis/topseeded-alexander-zverev-advances-in-toronto-in-the-national-bank-open
• https://www.atptour.com/en/news/zverev-500-wins-feature-2025