In a curious blend of dystopian fiction and pop music, Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin found solace in George Orwell’s 1984 and Ed Sheeran’s music as he prepared for the US Open. Following a surprising first-round exit at Wimbledon in June, where he was defeated by world number 461 Arthur Fery, Popyrin realized the need for a mental reset.
“I was numb,” Popyrin told ABC Sport. “I didn’t feel sad. I didn’t feel happy. I just felt kind of like, yeah, this is what happens and I’ve never had that feeling before in my career.”
Rediscovering Passion and Purpose
In response to this emotional void, the 26-year-old, along with his fiancée Amy, took a break in Bermuda. There, Popyrin rekindled his love for reading, diving into the realms of science fiction and fantasy.
“I’ve really gotten hooked on reading,” he shared. “I’m reading this series called Red Rising and it’s been really good but right now I’m reading a classic book called 1984 by George Orwell.”
The couple also attended an Ed Sheeran concert in Ipswich, further helping Popyrin disconnect from the pressures of professional tennis.
Challenges and Changes in 2025
Despite reaching a career-high ranking of 19 this year, Popyrin’s journey has been fraught with challenges. He experienced a dip in form, dropping 18 places just before the US Open, although he remains Australia’s second-ranked male player behind Alex de Minaur.
Changes in his coaching team and struggles with mental health have been significant hurdles. However, Popyrin remains optimistic about his growth as a player. “I’ve got a pretty good record against top-10 players and for me the most important part is trying to get to that level, trying to be a top-10 player myself,” he stated.
Consistency: The Key to Success
Popyrin’s victory over Novak Djokovic in the US Open last year was a highlight in his career, marking his potential to challenge top-tier opponents. Yet, consistency remains elusive.
“I’ve always been able to show up for the big matches against the big guys and cause trouble for them. But I’ve also not been consistent in beating the players that I should be beating,” Popyrin admitted.
Facing a challenging draw at this year’s US Open, Popyrin is undeterred by the prospect of playing world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round. His immediate focus is on his first-round match against Finnish player Emil Ruusuvuori.
Addressing Burnout and Looking Forward
Burnout is a prevalent issue in professional tennis, a sentiment echoed by fellow Australian Alex de Minaur. Popyrin acknowledges the impact of the demanding schedule, particularly with the introduction of two-week Masters events.
“Burnout is a very, very big thing in tennis right now,” Popyrin said. “And I think a lot of it has to do with the two-week schedules.”
Reflecting on his Wimbledon loss, Popyrin realized the importance of mental health and strategic scheduling. “I was never one to kind of really focus on my mental health … I wasn’t really one to think that I could really burn out,” he confessed.
Now, as he approaches the US Open, Popyrin is determined to apply the lessons learned from his recent experiences. “Right now, I’m being called a veteran on tour, which is crazy. But I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and the way that I approach my whole career and I’m definitely taking a different outlook on it right now.”
With a renewed mindset and strategic changes, Popyrin hopes to prove that he can consistently challenge the best in the world, starting with the US Open.
