In a world where George Orwell’s 1984 and Ed Sheeran’s music rarely intersect, Alexei Popyrin found solace in both as he navigated the pressures of professional tennis. The Australian player, still reeling from a surprising first-round exit at Wimbledon, is now hoping the US Open will prove his ability to consistently challenge the sport’s elite, with world number one Jannik Sinner looming in the second round.
Popyrin’s unexpected loss to Arthur Fery, ranked 461 globally, was a wake-up call. “I was numb,” he confessed to ABC Sport. “I didn’t feel sad or happy. It was a unique feeling in my career, prompting me to take time for myself and my team.” This introspective journey led him to Bermuda, where he rekindled his love for reading, diving into genres like sci-fi and fantasy, including Orwell’s dystopian classic.
Rekindling Passion and Finding Balance
In Bermuda, Popyrin also indulged in another passion: music. He and his fiancée attended an Ed Sheeran concert in Ipswich, a much-needed break from the tennis circuit. Despite these personal rejuvenations, Popyrin’s professional journey remains fraught with challenges.
Ranked 19th in the world, 2025 has been a rollercoaster year for Popyrin. A career-high ranking was followed by an 18-place drop just before the US Open. The Australian remains the country’s second-ranked male player, trailing only Alex de Minaur. A change in coaching staff and mental health struggles have added to the turbulence.
“I’ve got a pretty good record against top-10 players. The most important part is trying to get to that level, trying to be a top-10 player myself,” Popyrin stated.
Consistency: The Missing Ingredient
Popyrin’s victory over Novak Djokovic in the third round of last year’s US Open was a career highlight, showcasing his potential to compete with tennis’s best. This year, he aims to prove his consistency, a trait that has eluded him in matches against lower-ranked opponents.
“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 a challenging draw at Flushing Meadows, Popyrin remains undaunted by the prospect of meeting Jannik Sinner in the second round. His immediate focus, however, is on his first-round match against Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori.
The Battle Against Burnout
Burnout is a growing concern in professional tennis, with Popyrin and compatriot Alex de Minaur among those voicing concerns about the demanding schedule. The introduction of two-week Masters events has added complexity to players’ schedules, often leading to fatigue.
“Burnout is a very, very big thing in tennis right now,” Popyrin noted. “The two-week schedules are something that coaches and players are still learning to manage.”
Reflecting on his Wimbledon experience, Popyrin realized the need to prioritize mental health and effective scheduling. “I was never one to focus on my mental health,” he said. “But after that Wimbledon loss, I had to step back and figure out where things went wrong.”
As Popyrin approaches the US Open, he is determined to apply these lessons. “When you’re young and motivated, you can play a lot of tournaments, but as you get older, it becomes a grind. Being called a veteran on tour is crazy, but I’ve learned a lot about myself and my career approach.”
With renewed focus and a fresh perspective, Popyrin is poised to tackle the challenges ahead, hopeful that the US Open will mark the beginning of a more consistent chapter in his career.
