Canadian Open: Cerundolo/Etcheverry shock top seeds Heliovaara/Patten for Montreal semis spot
Montreal, Aug 12
Francisco Cerundolo and Tomas Martin Etcheverry continued their impressive run at the Canadian Open in Montreal on Tuesday, when they stunned top seeds Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten 6-3, 6-4 to reach the men's doubles semifinals.
Best known for their singles exploits, the Argentines have made a major impact on the doubles court this week in Montreal. After defeating defending champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in the opening round, Cerundolo and Etcheverry produced a clinical quarterfinal victory against the joint No. 1 players in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings.
Heliovaara and Patten were chasing their sixth tour-level title of the season, having already lifted trophies in Adelaide, Doha, Dubai, Madrid and at Wimbledon.
Meanwhile, Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti saved two match points to reach the quarterfinals on Sunday.
The Frenchmen clawed past Yuki Bhambri and Michael Venus 7-6(5), 5-7, 11-9, saving two match points at 7/9 in the Match Tie-break to set a quarter-final clash with Daniil Medvedev and Fabian Marozsan in Montreal.
Arribage and Olivetti are into the quarter-finals at an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time this year as a team, but they have enjoyed standout results this season. In 2026, they have lifted trophies in Halle, Dallas, Auckland, Mallorca and Montpellier.
The Frenchmen are currently seventh in the PIF ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings and are aiming to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, held from 15-22 November.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The French pair Arribage and Olivetti saving two match points is incredible grit. Doubles tennis is so underrated—these matches are pure drama!
Top seeds losing always makes the tournament exciting. But I wish Indian players like Bhambri got more chances to shine in these big events. Yuki fought well though! 💪
Six titles already for Heliovaara/Patten before this loss—they've had a phenomenal season. This loss won't hurt them much in the long run. Also, the French team at No. 7 in live rankings is impressive!
Honestly, doubles in tennis deserves more attention. These match tie-breaks at 11-9 are nerve-wracking. Great week for Argentines and French teams in Montreal. Looking forward to the semis!
Nice to see singles players also doing well in doubles. Cerundolo and Etcheverry must be full of confidence now. Also, Medvedev playing doubles? That's fun to watch! 😄
The French pair's season has been quietly brilliant—five titles already! They're definitely ones to watch for the ATP Finals. This Montreal draw is wide open now.
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