Alexei Popyrin saves three match factors in opposition to Grigor Dimitrov in Montreal to succeed in the second ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal of his profession.
11 August 2024 | Tennis Australia
Alexei Popyrin is proving his means to step up on a giant stage on the Montreal Masters.
Following an upset of Ben Shelton within the second spherical of the ATP Masters 1000 match, the 62nd-ranked Australian saved three match factors in opposition to No.7 seed Grigor Dimitrov to progress to the match’s remaining eight.
Popyrin required two hours and 38 minutes to finish a 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 win.
“I’m feeling good. I believe I performed three actually good matches in opposition to three actually good opponents,” stated Popyrin, who was additionally a winner over world No.39 Tomas Machac in his opening match.
“For me to have the ability to come by the primary two rounds in straight units and get win in opposition to Grigor, it provides me a number of confidence going into the following spherical.”
MR. HOUDINI 🪄🎩@AlexeiPopyrin99 saves THREE match factors to defeat No. 7 seed Dimitrov 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 and attain the quarter-finals in Montreal! @OBNmontreal | #OBN24 pic.twitter.com/0nbbx3YtdM
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 10, 2024
Popyrin maintained a cool head after the skilled Dimitrov secured the tight first set with the primary service break within the tenth sport.
Managing some deft winners from his proficient opponent, Popyrin saved three break factors that have been additionally match factors within the twelfth sport of the second set.
He edged forward within the tiebreak, forcing a decider on his first set level.
Helped by an 80 per cent strike charge on his first serve, Popyrin withstood an eventual 31 winners from Dimitrov to safe victory together with his ninth ace for the match.
Having celebrated his twenty fifth birthday on Monday, Popyrin additionally celebrated his second top-10 win of the season. At Monte Carlo in April, he upset Andrey Rublev within the second spherical.
Victory over Dimitrov was his first win over a top-10 opponent since his upset of Taylor Fritz at Australian Open 2023.
Popyrin, who will face both No.4 seed Hubert Hurkacz or Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech within the second ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal of his profession, goals to construct on strong type on North American arduous courts.
His different quarterfinal look at this degree got here in Cincinnati final yr.
“I believe now, after this match, I’ll be feeling fairly good, however I’ve simply received to maintain the work going and preserve the momentum going,” Popyrin stated.
3 – Because the format’s inception in 1990, Alexei Popyrin is simply the third Australian to say prime 10 wins on arduous and clay courtroom in the identical season at ATP Masters 1000 occasions, after Lleyton Hewitt (2000) & Nick Kyrgios (2015). Onya.#OBN24 | @OBNmontreal @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/FF230Wv4W1
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 10, 2024
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