In a sport where mental fortitude often dictates success, Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin is looking to the US Open to prove he can consistently challenge the world’s best. Following a disappointing early exit from Wimbledon, Popyrin has taken a unique approach to reset and refocus, combining classic literature with pop music to rejuvenate his spirit.
Popyrin’s shock loss to world number 461 Arthur Fery at Wimbledon in June served as a wake-up call. “I was numb,” Popyrin admitted to 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.”
A Literary and Musical Respite
Seeking solace, the 26-year-old and his fiancée, Amy, retreated to Bermuda, where Popyrin rediscovered a passion for reading. “I’ve really gotten hooked on reading. I’ll basically do that in all my free time right now,” he shared. His literary journey includes George Orwell’s 1984 and the Red Rising series, providing a mental escape from the pressures of professional tennis.
In addition to books, music played a crucial role in Popyrin’s recovery. A self-proclaimed Ed Sheeran fan, Popyrin attended a concert in Ipswich, England. “My favorite Ed Sheeran track is probably one that not many people know. It’s called ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,'” he explained, highlighting the importance of personal passions outside of tennis.
Challenges and Changes in 2025
The year 2025 has been a rollercoaster for Popyrin. Despite reaching a career-high ranking of 19, he faced setbacks, including a drop of 18 places before the US Open. The challenges were compounded by a coaching change and mental health struggles. Yet, Popyrin remains optimistic, believing he is a better player now than when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the third round of last year’s US Open.
“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,” Popyrin stated.
Consistency: The Key to Success
Popyrin’s victory over Djokovic was part of a dream run that included winning his first Masters 1000 title, a feat no Australian had achieved since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003. The upcoming US Open presents another opportunity for Popyrin to demonstrate his ability to perform consistently.
“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,” he confessed. Facing a tough draw, including a potential second-round match against world number one Jannik Sinner, Popyrin remains undaunted.
Burnout and the Path Forward
Burnout is a prevalent issue in professional tennis, exacerbated by the demanding schedule of two-week events. Popyrin acknowledges the impact of burnout on his performance and emphasizes the importance of proper scheduling. “Burnout is a very, very big thing in tennis right now,” he said.
“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,” Popyrin reflected. “But after that Wimbledon [loss], I had to take a step back and figure out where did it all go wrong.”
With a renewed focus on mental health and a strategic approach to scheduling, Popyrin is optimistic about his future. “When you’re young and you’re motivated you can play a lot of tournaments but as you get older… it starts to become a grind,” he noted, highlighting his evolution as a player.
As Popyrin prepares for the US Open, he hopes his recent experiences will translate into greater consistency on the court. The tournament will serve as a litmus test for his ability to maintain peak performance against the world’s elite, with eyes set on breaking into the top-10 rankings.
