With a spectacular final triumph in Montreal, Alexei Popyrin maintained his giant-killing streak to become the first Australian to win a Masters 1000 title in over 20 years.
By combining a fine touch with intense firepower, Popyrin defeated the volatile Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to win his third and most significant ATP Tour title on Tuesday.
Rublev was vying for his personal 17th career title after defeating top-seeded Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals. But with a brilliant start, Popyrin, the underdog, set the tone. With a blistering forehand return winner to start the match, he broke Rublev off his love.
Popyrin expressed his feelings after the win and said: “It means so much; it means the world. All the hard work that I’ve put in over the last few years. All the sacrifices that I’ve made—not just me but my family, my girlfriend, my team, everybody around me. They’ve just sacrificed their lives for me and for me to win this for them is just amazing.”
Popyrin, who finished the week with five straight top-20 victories, dropped from 62nd to world No. 23, earning him a valuable first-ever grand slam seeding for the US Open, which begins in 13 days.
Alexei Popyrin in 2024
Currently the world no.
23 (career-high), Popyrin played his last match on the 12th of August when he defeated world no.6 Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4 in the final in Montreal to win his 2nd career title.Presently, during this year Popyrin owns a 22-15 win-loss record. Alexei conquered 1 title in Montreal.
Alexei Popyrin will take on the world no.46 Gael Monfils in the 1st round. In the past, they have never played each other so far in top competitions.
The Australian clinched 1 title in 2024 in Montreal.
He is also scheduled to play at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). The main draw will start on the 26th of August.
Alexei Popyrin |
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