Armed with confidence from his current profession breakthroughs, Alexei Popyrin has surged into the Rolex Shanghai Masters third spherical.
Shanghai, China , 5 October 2024 | Vivienne Christie
Alexei Popyrin can admire the brand new territory he’s entered on the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
Having soared to a peak No.23 rating following his Montreal Masters triumph and fourth-round US Open displaying, the 25-year-old is seeded at an ATP Masters 1000 event for the primary time.
“You realize, it’s good to have a quantity subsequent to your identify,” associated Popyrin, the No.20 seed. “It’s a pleasant feeling to have, and it clearly offers you a bit little bit of confidence.”
Popyrin lived as much as his increased billing as he opened a second main-draw marketing campaign within the metropolis with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic. He required simply over an hour to document the straight-sets win.
The Australian relied on his regular weapons towards his world No.55 opponent, firing 13 aces amongst his 32 complete winners. Gaining service breaks early in each units, Popyrin additionally confirmed his growing calm beneath stress, saving all 4 break factors that he confronted.
“I was simply actually stable, centered on what I needed to do, served properly, and after I had probabilities within the return video games I capitalised on them,” stated Popyrin, who recorded his first main-draw on the event.
“I believe that’s what I’ve been doing very well the final couple months , sort of specializing in my service video games … making an attempt to carry them comfortably, after which making an attempt to place stress on the returns, and that’s what I used to be doing.”
Masterful 🙏
Make that 11 ATP Masters 1000 wins this 12 months for Alexei Popyrin.#GoAussies #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/1h3oz58Co9
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) October 5, 2024
The following problem for Popyrin is towards No.9 seed Grigor Dimitrov or Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.
“If it’s Grigor, we had a very good battle in Montreal, a stable couple matches there, he helped me win the event,” smiled Popyrin, who saved match factors towards the Bulgarian.
“After which Zizou, you recognize, I’ve recognized him since juniors, since under-10, so it will likely be a enjoyable match regardless of who I play.
He’s thrilled to be joined within the third spherical by countryman Aleksandar Vukic, a qualifier on the event, who shocked No.8 seed Casper Ruud in his earlier match.
“He’s an unbelievable man and he actually deserves a win. He’s had a troublesome 12 months this 12 months, however he’s a high-quality participant,” stated Popyrin of his fellow Australian.
Jordan Thompson, seeded No.26 in Shanghai, faces Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in his opening match later as we speak.
