In a surprising blend of dystopian literature and pop music, Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin found solace in George Orwell’s 1984 and an Ed Sheeran B-side as he prepared for the US Open. This unexpected combination helped him disconnect from the pressures of professional tennis following a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon in June, where he lost to world number 461, Arthur Fery.
“I was numb,” Popyrin 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, so for me it was very important to kind of figure out why very quickly and take some time for myself and my team.”
Rediscovering Passion in Bermuda
Seeking a mental reset, the 26-year-old traveled to Bermuda with his fiancée, Amy, where he rekindled his love for reading. “I’ve really gotten hooked on reading. I’ll basically do that in all my free time right now. And I’m in the sci-fi and fantasy kind of genre,” Popyrin shared. His reading list included the Red Rising series and Orwell’s classic 1984.
In addition to books, Popyrin and his fiancée attended an Ed Sheeran concert in Ipswich, England, further helping him unwind. “My favourite Ed Sheeran track is probably one that not many people know. It’s called ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,'” he explained.
Challenges and Changes in 2025
Despite reaching a career-high ranking of 19, 2025 has been a challenging year for Popyrin. He dropped 18 places just before the US Open, yet remains Australia’s second-ranked male player, trailing only Alex de Minaur. A change in coaching staff and struggles with mental health have been significant hurdles.
“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. His victory over Novak Djokovic in last year’s US Open third round marked a career highlight, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level.
The Quest for Consistency
Popyrin’s triumph over Djokovic was part of a remarkable run that included winning his first Masters 1000 title, a feat not achieved by an Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003. This year’s US Open presents another opportunity for Popyrin to prove his consistency on the court.
“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. Facing world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round at Flushing Meadows doesn’t daunt him. “I’m the kind of player that enjoys those kind of matches, but all focus on the first round right now,” he said, referring to his initial match against Finnish player Emil Ruusuvuori.
Addressing Burnout in Tennis
After experiencing burnout, Popyrin believes he is on the right path to achieving consistency. “Burnout is a very, very big thing in tennis right now,” Popyrin noted. “And I think a lot of it has to do with the two-week schedules, two-week Masters events. It’s a new thing that the coaches and the players don’t really know or are 100 percent capable of scheduling correctly just yet.”
His comments echo a growing concern among players, including Alex de Minaur, about the demanding tennis calendar. “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 and where did we kind of make a mistake in terms of scheduling.”
“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 it’s 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.” – Alexei Popyrin
As Popyrin prepares for the US Open, his journey reflects a broader narrative in professional tennis: the balance between mental health and competitive ambition. His story underscores the evolving nature of the sport, where players are increasingly prioritizing well-being alongside their pursuit of excellence.
