Daniil Medvedev lost to Alexei Popyrin in a three-set affair at the National Bank Open, finishing well past midnight in Toronto.

The former world No. 1 struggled with his serve, posting a first serve percentage of 53%.

What happened?

Popyrin appeared to find the mark when he needed it most, with a first serve percentage of 61%.

Medvedev shook hands with his opponent before immediately exiting the court, leaving behind his racquets and bag.

Commentators and fans in attendance were left collectively scratching their heads.

Why it matters for Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev's loss comes as a surprise, given his win at the tournament in 2021.

He remains at No. 14 on the ATP Live Rankings.

What comes next?

Popyrin will now face No. 5 seed Holger Rune in the Round of 16 on Saturday.

Rune has an impressive run, going back-to-back matches without dropping a set.

Popyrin is looking to become the first player to go back-to-back in Toronto since Rafael Nadal.

He has reached a career high of No. 21 in the world.

Medvedev's exit from the court without his bag has raised eyebrows.

He had a notable match against Rune earlier in the year, where he lost in straight sets.

Alexei Popyrin's strategy

Popyrin reflected on his win, stating he had to revert to his main tactics, focusing on serving and coming to the net.

He felt comfortable on the court but had to adjust his strategy to counter Medvedev's pace.

Popyrin's win sets up an interesting match against Rune, who is looking to win his second title of the year.

The two have played once before, with Rune picking up a big win in the Round of 16 at the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome.

Medvedev's loss is a setback, but he will look to bounce back in his next match.

Popyrin's run in Toronto comes on the heels of back-to-back first round exits at Wimbledon and the Mubadala Citi DC Open.

He will look to capitalize on his momentum and advance further in the tournament.

The match between Popyrin and Rune is highly anticipated, with both players looking to make a statement.

As of August 2024, Medvedev's ranking remains at No. 14, while Popyrin has risen to No. 21.

The National Bank Open continues to heat up, with top players competing for the title.

Medvedev's exit has opened up opportunities for other players to make a run for the championship.

The tournament will continue to be closely watched, with fans eager to see who will emerge victorious.