Australian No.2 Alexei Popyrin is hoping to rediscover the shape that took him to a primary ATP 1000 Masters title in Canada final yr.
Toronto, Canada, 30 July 2025 | Paul Macpherson, ATP
Alexei Popyrin has a ‘Huge Man Tennis’ downside.
His pure high-octane sport, constructed round a large serve, heavy firepower from the bottom, and skill to complete at web, provides him capabilities that almost all gamers can solely dream of.
However are you able to throttle again when required to search out consistency? And in case you can, what’s the alternative value?
These are the questions vexing the world No. 26 as he enters a crucial a part of his season. This time final yr, he bolted like a Kentucky Derby outsider to win the ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal, and shortly after surprised Novak Djokovic within the third spherical of the US Open.
That wasn’t executed by taking part in conservatively, however sustaining that stage has confirmed elusive.
“On a superb day, I really feel that Alexei has the most effective serves on tour. It’s powerful to learn and to return,” Daniil Medvedev, Popyrin’s subsequent opponent, informed ATPTour.com. “He has nice potential, like we noticed in Montreal final yr when his sport was on hearth.
“In matches the place he doesn’t miss, it will get tough. He can slice effectively and put together for the robust forehand. However there have been matches when he misses lots, so that you attempt to hold in there and attempt to win the match.”
Popyrin, 25, is unlikely to dispute that frank evaluation. Final yr, he was unable to transform the momentum he had popping out of the US Open, successful simply three matches in his closing 4 tournaments of the season. It needs to be famous, nonetheless, that he did beat Matteo Berrettini and Medvedev to succeed in the third spherical of the Rolex Paris Masters, ending the yr with a 28-22 document.
> MORE: Popyrin downs Medvedev in Paris
Whereas certainly keen himself to a giant run in Toronto, Popyrin shall be conscious that his dream of a profitable title defence begins with constant performances within the early rounds.
“Towards Novak (at US Open 2024), I believe all people at all times knew that I’m able to producing a one-match stunner,” he stated. “However I wish to get again to successful the matches that I needs to be successful, stringing collectively wins after which giving a superb account within the matches that I’m the underdog. Profitable the Masters was simply an even bigger buzz than the US Open win over Novak as a result of I put collectively six matches consecutively in opposition to high 20 opponents and beat all of them.
“As you search for that consistency, you don’t wish to take away something out of your huge explosive sport; it’s extra about staying in rallies longer and ready for the appropriate alternative slightly than going for an unbelievable shot.”
One yr on from his Montreal title, Popyrin is ranked world No.26, but when not for a calendar shift associated to Toronto’s transfer to an expanded 12-day occasion, Popyrin would have already got dropped his 1000 championship factors and be simply outdoors the highest 50 of the reside ATP rankings.
> READ: Popyrin to defend Masters crown in Toronto
“I’d be mendacity if I stated there’s no stress [defending the Canada title],” he stated. “Yearly, you must go in defending factors. This yr is only a huge chunk of factors that exit due to an incredible consequence that occurred the yr earlier than.
“Going into Toronto, I’m attempting to not put an excessive amount of stress on myself, and I do know that after these factors are off, I’ll have a bit little bit of weight lifted off my shoulders.”
At 195 centimetres, Popyrin’s motion is a bonus over most gamers his measurement. Coaches Neville Godwin and Wayne Ferreira, who joined the staff in April, have helped the three-time ATP Tour champion realise that he doesn’t must power his means out of defence with one shot. He has the legs to dig in for the lengthy haul and work again right into a impartial place.
His fellow Australian Alex de Minaur, referred to as one of many sport’s elite movers, stated Popyrin’s courtroom protection was extremely underrated.
“For a giant, tall man, Pop’s motion is extraordinarily good,” the current Washington ATP 500 champion informed ATPTour.com. “So he’s received the flexibility to play a giant model of tennis and go after photographs on his phrases, however he’s additionally received the flexibility to retrieve and defend together with his legs, giving his opponents one thing else to consider.”
Popyrin was happy to listen to De Minaur’s reward when ATPTour.com sat down with him in Washington.
“Individuals see me as tall and lanky, very uncoordinated, and suppose I is perhaps a sluggish mover,” he stated. “However I really feel motion comes naturally to me, that I’m fairly fast for a giant man, and I can get out of corners fairly simply. I positively see it as a weapon of mine.”
Main into the Monte Carlo Masters in April, Popyrin onboarded former world No. 6, Ferreira, who changed Xavier Malisse within the dual-coach setup with Godwin.
“I’ve had the dual-coach arrange for some time. Neville labored with Xavier Malisse for 2 years earlier than, and we went from being ranked 120 to high 20,” he stated. “Since Wayne got here in, I really feel like my yr has been trending upwards. He’s been an ideal addition. The beginning of the yr was actually tough for me. However we have been capable of recover from that hurdle.”
Off the courtroom, Popyrin additionally feels he’s on an upward trajectory as he seems to be forward to his wedding ceremony to fiancée Amy Pederick. The town and venue have been determined, however for now, they continue to be a secret.
“I’ve left all of the planning to her,” he stated. “She’s executed an unbelievable job. She’s already discovered our venue, she’s discovered the date. We’re going to get married subsequent yr, round September time. So it’s one thing we’re actually wanting ahead to.”
Article republished with type permission from ATPTour.com
