Alexei Popyrin, the rising Australian star, has emerged as a formidable force against Top 10 players, notching an impressive five wins in his last six encounters. His latest triumph came against world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev at the Rolex Paris Masters, a nail-biting 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4) victory.
Popyrin’s remarkable run began in Montreal in August, where he stunned three Top 10 players en route to his maiden Masters 1000 title. He then recorded the biggest win of his career over Novak Djokovic, then ranked No. 2, at the US Open.
The 24-year-old’s success against elite opposition is not a fluke. He now boasts 11 career wins over Top 10 players, including three against Top 5 players. In 2021, he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas, then ranked No. 3, in Paris.
Popyrin’s victory over Medvedev was a testament to his resilience and determination. After losing the second set, he rallied back in the third, taking a 4-1 lead. Medvedev fought back to level at 4-4, but Popyrin held firm and eventually prevailed in the tie-break.
In the third round, Popyrin will face Karen Khachanov, who ended the winning streak of Basel champion Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Khachanov holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over Popyrin.
Popyrin’s recent performances have solidified his status as a rising star in the tennis world. His ability to challenge and defeat Top 10 players is a testament to his talent and unwavering belief in himself. As he continues to progress, Popyrin is poised to make even more waves in the sport.
