Alexei Popyrin has felt it click, now he wants it to stick during a deep run at his cherished Australian Open. After achieving the significant milestone of reaching the world No. 23 ranking last year, the 25-year-old Australian tennis star believes this success was more of the result of hard work than any single turning point. "I don't think [the rise to No. 23] was necessarily a turning point," Popyrin stated. "I think it was just an accumulation of all the hard work we've been putting in over the last three years." The momentum shifted for Popyrin after the Tokyo Olympics, where he experienced increased confidence starting from his performance at the ATP Masters 1000 event held in Montreal.
His victory at the Montreal tournament marked him as the first Australian to win the prestigious title since Lleyton Hewitt achieved the same feat back in 2003. Three weeks later, Popyrin faced world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the US Open, showcasing his growth when he advanced to the third round before losing to American Frances Tiafoe. "I keep saying Montreal was a huge tournament, not only because it was a Masters 1000 and I won it but because if I hadn’t won [there] I would have been ranked 90 in the world," Popyrin reflected. He emphasized the immense pressure athletes face, stating, "That’s the kind of pressure you play with in your head."
Popyrin’s performance over the past few years, particularly following his Masters title, solidified his belief in his competitiveness at the world’s highest level. "We kind of knew what I'm capable of because I show it in practice every now and then," he said. Yet, Popyrin has experienced losses he considers avoidable as well. "I’ve beaten top-10 players; I have had good wins. Also, I’ve had losses I shouldn’t have had." Maintaining focus and not getting caught up with rankings remains his primary mental strategy.
While Popyrin has made significant strides on the court, he clarified his objectives for the upcoming Australian Open. "We're just trying to make it to the second week for the first time here," he stated, as he occupies the 25th seed—a first for him at Melbourne Park. "It’s definitely about doing the same things and working the same way and just trying to get past the third-round hump," he added. Despite previous third-round exits, Popyrin remains optimistic and determined.
His reflections on relationships with fellow Australian players shed light on the camaraderie within the tennis community. Popyrin identifies his connection to Alex de Minaur, stating, "Me and Demon are the same age; we’ve grown up together." This close bond exemplifies the supportive environment among young Australian tennis players as they work to leave their mark on the global stage. The camaraderie shared with peers such as De Minaur and Kokkinakis is also instrumental in shaping Popyrin’s career mindset.
Popyrin recalled insightful advice from his childhood, which impacted his career path. Notably, he mentioned guidance he received from Kokkinakis’ former coach when he was just under ten years old. "Kokk’s coach told my parents, ‘That’s not the way to go’,” he said, referring to the importance of preparation and discipline. This early guidance instilled valuable lessons and led him on the right path. Both his commitment to tennis and the mentoring he received helped solidify his vision for success.
Besides his remarkable career milestones, Popyrin has enjoyed personal celebrations lately, particularly his engagement to long-time partner Amy Pederick. He proposed to her last November, sharing, "Ever since I started dating Amy, I knew she was the one for me." Pederick, who works as a physiotherapist, has been described by Popyrin as his rock; yet he makes it clear their professional and personal lives remain separate.
Heading to the Australian Open, Popyrin faces French player Corentin Moutet, whom he previously defeated at the Monte Carlo Masters. He expressed excitement to compete again at Melbourne Park, particularly after experiencing the support of the crowd during his five-set victory over Taylor Fritz last year. "That brought me to tears," he reflected on the occasion. "That is definitely what brings the best out of me, is trying to put on a show for the home crowd. We don't get many opportunities to do this. That’s extra motivation for me to go out there and try to put on a show for them and make them proud."