Alexei Popyrin, the Australian tennis player known for his powerful game and towering presence on the court, is hoping the US Open will serve as a proving ground for his ability to consistently challenge the world’s best. As he prepares to face world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round, Popyrin is determined to showcase the improvements he has made both on and off the court.
The journey to this point has been anything but straightforward for Popyrin. A shock exit in the opening round of Wimbledon in late June, where he lost to world number 461 Arthur Fery, forced him to take a step back and reevaluate his approach to the sport. “I was numb,” he confessed 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.”
Reconnecting with Passions
In an effort to disconnect from the pressures of professional tennis, Popyrin and his fiancée, Amy, took a trip to Bermuda. There, he rediscovered his love for reading, diving into a mix of science fiction and classic literature. “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, England. A long-time fan, Popyrin cites Sheeran’s track “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” as a personal favorite. This period of relaxation and personal enjoyment was crucial for Popyrin as he sought to regain his mental balance.
Challenges and Changes
Despite reaching a career-best ranking of 19 earlier this year, 2025 has been a challenging year for Popyrin. He experienced a dip in form, dropping 18 places just before the US Open. A change in coaching staff and struggles with mental health contributed to these fluctuations. However, Popyrin remains optimistic about his progress. “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.
His victory over Novak Djokovic in the third round of last year’s US Open was a career highlight, marking him as a formidable opponent on the big stage. Yet, Popyrin acknowledges the need for greater consistency, particularly against players ranked below him. “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 admitted.
Addressing Burnout
Burnout has become a significant issue within the professional tennis circuit, with many players, including fellow Australian Alex de Minaur, voicing concerns over the demanding schedule. Popyrin is no stranger to these challenges. “Burnout is a very, very big thing in tennis right now,” he noted. “And I think a lot of it has to do with the two-week schedules, two-week Masters events.”
Reflecting on his Wimbledon exit, Popyrin realized the importance of mental health and proper 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 said. “But after that Wimbledon [loss], I had to take a step back and figure out where did it all go wrong.”
“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. 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.”
Looking Ahead
As Popyrin prepares for the US Open, he remains focused on the immediate task at hand: his first-round match against Finnish player Emil Ruusuvuori. While the prospect of facing Jannik Sinner looms, Popyrin is not daunted. “I’m the kind of player that enjoys those kind of matches, but all focus on the first round right now,” he emphasized.
With a renewed focus on mental health and a strategic approach to scheduling, Popyrin is hopeful that he can find the consistency needed to climb the rankings and establish himself as a top-10 player. As the US Open unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Popyrin can turn his potential into sustained success on the world stage.
