In a world where George Orwell’s 1984 and an Ed Sheeran B-side rarely intersect, Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin has found solace in both. This unusual combination helped him recover from the pressures of professional tennis, following a surprising first-round exit at Wimbledon to world number 461, Arthur Fery.
The loss in late June was a wake-up call for the 26-year-old, who realized he needed a break. “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.”
Rediscovering Passion and Purpose
Seeking respite, Popyrin and his fiancée, Amy, traveled to Bermuda, where he rekindled his love for reading. “I’ve really gotten hooked on reading,” he shared, diving into the sci-fi and fantasy genres. Currently engrossed in 1984, Popyrin has been reading a book a week, finding it a refreshing escape from the tennis circuit.
The couple also attended an Ed Sheeran concert in Ipswich, England. Popyrin, a long-time fan, revealed his favorite track is “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,” a lesser-known song by the global pop star.
Challenges and Changes
Despite reaching a career-high ranking of 19 earlier this year, 2025 has been challenging for Popyrin. He recently dropped 18 places just before the US Open, but remains Australia’s second-ranked male player, behind Alex de Minaur. A change in coaching staff and struggles with mental health have posed additional 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 the third round of last year’s US Open was a career highlight, marking him as a formidable opponent.
Consistency: The Key to Success
Popyrin’s win over Djokovic was part of a dream run that included winning his first Masters 1000 title, the first Australian to do so since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003. This year’s US Open presents another opportunity to demonstrate his consistency.
“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 tough draw, Popyrin is undaunted by the prospect of playing world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round at Flushing Meadows.
“I’m the kind of player that enjoys those kind of matches, but all focus on the first round right now,” said Popyrin, who faces Finnish player Emil Ruusuvuori first.
Navigating Burnout and Scheduling
After grappling with burnout, Popyrin believes he is on the right path to finding consistency. “Burnout is a very, very big thing in tennis right now,” he noted, highlighting the challenges of adapting to the new two-week tournament schedules.
Burnout has become a pervasive issue in professional tennis, with fellow Australian Alex de Minaur echoing concerns about the demanding schedule. Popyrin reflected on his own experiences, saying, “I was never one to really focus on my mental health … I wasn’t really one to think that I could really burn out.”
His loss at Wimbledon prompted a reevaluation of his approach. “We figured it out quite quickly and … rectified it,” he said. As he matures in his career, Popyrin acknowledges the need for a balanced approach. “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.”
As Popyrin steps onto the courts of the US Open, he carries with him a renewed sense of purpose and a strategy to maintain his mental and physical well-being. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
