The tennis world watched in disbelief during the Medvedev vs Van de Zandschulp second-round clash at the 2026 National Bank Open. What was expected to be a routine victory for the tournament’s fourth seed turned into the biggest ATP Montreal upset of the week. Unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp played a flawless tactical game to defeat Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(5).
For Medvedev, a former champion in Canada and a US Open winner, this early exit continues a frustrating trend of poor performances when the Masters 1000 event rotates to Montreal. For Van de Zandschulp, it marks a career-defining moment, securing his first Top 10 victory since defeating Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells over a year ago.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the match, the critical statistics, and what this stunning result means for the rest of the tournament.
Tactical Breakdown: How the Medvedev vs Van de Zandschulp Match Unfolded
Before stepping onto the hard court, Medvedev boasted a flawless 4-0 Head-to-Head record against his opponent. However, signs of trouble emerged early. Medvedev practiced with heavy tape on both knees earlier in the week, hinting at physical compromises that ultimately slowed his usually elite court coverage.
The Medvedev vs Van de Zandschulp dynamic shifted immediately because the Dutchman executed a fearless, disruptive game plan:
- Breaking the Rhythm: Medvedev thrives when he can sit deep behind the baseline and absorb consistent pace. Van de Zandschulp refused to play that game. He expertly varied his shot trajectory, using high topspin to push the Russian backward before stepping inside the baseline to flatten out his forehand.
- Attacking the Second Serve: The defining factor of the match was second-serve vulnerability. Van de Zandschulp aggressively targeted Medvedev’s second ball, forcing the Russian to overhit. This pressure led to Medvedev committing 9 double faults.
- Staying Composed Under Pressure: After cruising through the first set 6-3, Van de Zandschulp raced to a 3-0 lead in the second. As expected, Medvedev fought back fiercely to force a tie-break. However, Van de Zandschulp maintained his nerve, capitalizing on uncharacteristic baseline errors from the World No. 4 to seal the tie-break 7-5.
“I played him a couple of times already, and it has always been tough. I never beat him before, but today I mixed it up very well… I had to change it up, go out of my comfort zone, and I think I did it quite well.” — Botic van de Zandschulp
Match Statistics: A Closer Look at the ATP Montreal Upset
When dissecting the Medvedev vs Van de Zandschulp box score, the numbers reveal exactly why the one-hour, 39-minute match ended in an upset. The Dutchman won 73 total points to Medvedev’s 63, maintaining a steady advantage throughout both sets.
Key Performance Metrics
| Metric | Botic van de Zandschulp | Daniil Medvedev |
| Aces | 0 | 3 |
| Double Faults | 4 | 9 |
| 1st Serve Win Percentage | 49% (19/39) | 66% (25/38) |
| 2nd Serve Win Percentage | 59% (17/29) | 21% (6/29) |
| Break Points Converted | 6 of 8 (75%) | 4 of 8 (50%) |
The most glaring statistic is the second serve. Medvedev winning only 21% of his second-serve points is an incredibly rare collapse for a player of his caliber, highlighting just how effectively Van de Zandschulp neutralized his delivery.
The Bigger Picture: Carnage in the Men’s Draw
The Medvedev vs Van de Zandschulp outcome is just one piece of a chaotic week at the 2026 National Bank Open. The transition from the European grass season and the early American hard courts seems to be taking a physical toll on the top seeds.
Montreal has already witnessed a massive exodus of top-ranked talent:
- (1) Alexander Zverev: Defeated by Tallon Griekspoor in three sets.
- (4) Daniil Medvedev: Upset by Botic van de Zandschulp.
- (7) Taylor Fritz: Ousted by Thiago Agustín Tirante.
- (2) Félix Auger-Aliassime: Withdrew prior to the tournament due to a back injury.
With the draw blown wide open, unseeded players like Van de Zandschulp—who now advances to face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the Round of 16—have a golden opportunity to make a deep championship run.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Here are the most trending questions fans are searching for following this dramatic match:
Q: Had Botic van de Zandschulp ever beaten Daniil Medvedev before this match?
A: No. Before the Medvedev vs Van de Zandschulp clash in Montreal, Medvedev led their Head-to-Head series 4-0. This victory marks the Dutchman’s first win against the Russian.
Q: Why did Daniil Medvedev struggle so much with his serve?
A: Medvedev hit 9 double faults and won only 21% of his second-serve points. He was seen wearing heavy tape on both knees during practice, which likely hampered his leg drive and service motion. Additionally, Van de Zandschulp’s aggressive returning constantly rushed Medvedev.
Q: What is Daniil Medvedev’s historical record in Montreal?
A: While Medvedev won the Canadian Masters in 2021 when it was held in Toronto, he has notoriously struggled in Montreal. Following this upset, he now has four opening-round exits at the Montreal venue.
Q: Who will Botic van de Zandschulp play next in the National Bank Open?
A: After surviving the second round, Botic van de Zandschulp advances to the Round of 16, where he will face Hubert Hurkacz.
For more Updates, visit: Buzz Content Corner
Follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buzzcontentcorners/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buzzcontentcorner