The pressure was on, but Alexei Popyrin wasn’t feeling it. After dismantling Emil Ruusuvuori in straight sets, the Australian knew exactly what was awaiting him: a second-round showdown with defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Most players might feel the weight of that moment, but Popyrin? He’s been here before, and he’s got the scalp to prove it.
Alexei Popyrin Has Revealed Why He Is Not in Awe of Facing Jannik Sinner
Popyrin, gearing up for his second-round clash against Sinner at the US Open 2025, made it clear that he’s approaching the challenge with focus rather than awe. “If I knew I won, I’d play him straightaway,” Popyrin said in his post-match interview after defeating Ruusuvuori.
The 26-year-old, who shocked tennis by taking out Novak Djokovic in the third round of the US Open last year, understands the magnitude of facing the world’s best player. “Jannik is the best in the world and he is one of the best for a reason,” the Australian acknowledged. However, past experience has taught him valuable lessons about competing at this level.
“I don’t feel too starstruck by the occasion. And I think I’ve been in that position before. I think last year is a great example of it,” Popyrin explained, referencing his stunning upset of Djokovic.
For Popyrin, the key to challenging top opponents lies in staying true to his own game rather than getting caught up in reputations. “I feel like if I can stick to my game, if I can play the way I wanna play, then I can cause trouble,” he said.
The confidence isn’t misplaced. Popyrin, who has peaked at No. 19 in the world rankings, has consistently troubled elite players with his powerful baseline game. His breakthrough came when he won his first Masters 1000 tournament in Canada last year, upsetting five top 20 players en route to the title.
Perhaps most importantly, he already owns a victory over Sinner. The two met in the second round of the Madrid Open, where Popyrin prevailed on clay with a convincing 7-6(5), 6-2 victory.
Despite his previous success, Popyrin isn’t underestimating his upcoming opponent. Ahead of their second encounter, he has described Sinner as a “complete player,” admitting that the Italian will be tough to beat.
When asked about Sinner’s strengths, Popyrin highlighted the Italian’s all-around abilities, including improved serving, precise returns, and dynamic movement, as well as a particularly effective open-stance backhand. The improved serve, Popyrin noted, has been crucial to Sinner’s ascent to the top of the rankings.
Sinner’s form heading into their match looks ominous. In his first round, the defending champion dismantled Vit Kopriva with a dominant 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 98 minutes. The performance served as a statement win following his illness-induced retirement in the final of Cincinnati.
Alexei Popyrin Reveals Secret Behind His Ability to Push Top Players
There’s something about facing the best that brings out Popyrin’s highest level. When asked about his ability to push elite players, he revealed it’s been a lifelong pattern.
“It’s something that I’ve been doing since I was a junior. I always brought my best level against the players that were older than me or better than me,” Popyrin explained.
The mindset is simple but effective. “I just go out there knowing that I can play with them. If I’m able to bring that level, I always say I’m able to go toe-to-toe with the top guys. I’ve shown that in the past.”
However, Popyrin has been honest about where he needs improvement. Consistency remains his biggest challenge, something that separates him from the elite tier he’s capable of troubling.
“For me it’s a matter of consistency. For me it’s a matter of just bringing that level all the time. That’s where I kind of struggle, and that’s where the top guys don’t,” he admitted.
Still, when the lights are brightest and the stakes are highest, Popyrin’s confidence never wavers. “I know I can compete against them. I know that I can beat some of them. I go in there not afraid, not already lost that I feel some players do,” he concluded.
