Australians Alexei Popyrin and Maya Joint have made a triumphant return to New York, marking significant victories at the 2025 US Open. Popyrin, who celebrated the biggest win of his career at last year’s tournament, began his campaign with a commanding victory over Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori.
Popyrin’s opening match at Flushing Meadows saw him secure a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7/3) win, showcasing his prowess with 10 aces and 44 winners. This victory sets up a challenging second-round encounter against top seed Jannik Sinner. The match promises to be a test of skill and endurance, as Popyrin faces a player who recently overcame illness to dominate his first-round opponent.
Alexei Popyrin: A Rising Star
The Australian tennis star is no stranger to facing top-tier opponents, having defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2024 US Open. Popyrin remains unfazed by the prospect of taking on defending champion Sinner, emphasizing his readiness to compete at the highest level.
“If you want to win these tournaments, you have to beat one of these players at some point,” Popyrin stated. “I know my game, I know how I can play and I know the trouble I can cause, so I’m not really worried about it.”
Popyrin holds a psychological edge, having won their only previous encounter at the Madrid Masters in 2021. His journey through the tournament will be closely watched, as he aims to build on his impressive track record.
Maya Joint’s Breakthrough
Maya Joint also made headlines with her first major win of 2025, defeating Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva 6-4, 7-6(8/6). The victory marks a significant milestone in Joint’s career, as she continues to rise in the rankings after a stellar year.
Joint’s performance in New York is a testament to her resilience and growth as a player. Despite early exits in the previous grand slams, she has captured two WTA titles this year, solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s tennis.
Ajla Tomljanović, a seasoned teammate, remarked, “There is no ceiling on what Maya might achieve.”
Joint’s next challenge will be against Amanda Anisimova, the eighth seed and Wimbledon finalist, in the second round. This match offers Joint another opportunity to prove her mettle on the grand stage.
Looking Ahead
The Australian contingent at the US Open continues to draw attention, with Ajla Tomljanović set to face third seed Coco Gauff, while Alex de Minaur and Tristan Schoolkate also compete in their respective matches.
As the tournament progresses, the performances of Popyrin and Joint will be pivotal in shaping Australia’s impact at the US Open. Their successes reflect a broader trend of emerging talent from Down Under, poised to challenge the established order in international tennis.
With the US Open in full swing, the coming days promise thrilling matches and potential upsets, as players vie for glory on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
