Alexei Popyrin becomes the last Aussie standing at French Open after overcoming years of injuries and setbacks
Australian tennis star Alexei Popyrin has reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in his career and is poised to crack the world top 20 in the second week on the Paris clay.
The 25-year-old Sydneysider produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat Portugal's Nuno Borges 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(5) in hot, punishing conditions on Court 7 in Paris.
The win propels Popyrin into the second week of a Grand Slam for only the second time in his career, and for the first time at Roland Garros – a tournament where he had previously struggled to find rhythm or consistency on the red clay.
'It was a really good match from my point,' he said after sealing victory.
'Happy I wrapped it up in three sets. It's really hot out there, really difficult conditions.'
Popyrin has long been considered one of Australia's most talented ball strikers, but his path through the ATP ranks has been anything but linear.
Since winning the 2017 Roland Garros junior title, he's battled inconsistent form, coaching changes, and several injury setbacks, including groin and shoulder problems that derailed his momentum at key points in past seasons.
His breakout at this year's French Open comes as a welcome surprise for Aussie fans, particularly after top seed Alex de Minaur exited in the second round.
'We all expected Demon to be in the fourth round,' Popyrin admitted.
'I don't think I could have thought that – Alex is probably the most consistent player on tour – but that's the case now. I'm only focusing on myself. I want to keep going as far as I can, that's all I'm thinking.'
Popyrin's performance against Borges showed a level of maturity that has often eluded him in previous campaigns.
He was aggressive on serve, dominating with 12 aces and winning over 80 per cent of first-serve points.
He also handled the pressure moments with far more composure than in previous Grand Slam showings.
'I played the first set-and-a-half really, really solid, how I've been playing all week,' Popyrin said.
'But had a bit of a mental slip-up at the end of the second but managed to dig deep in the tiebreak.'
It was a match that tested both his physical and mental resilience.
'The third set was more a mental battle than a physical battle on my side,' he said.
'Trying to hold serve, and then trying to get opportunities on his return, which I had towards the end. But still managed to kind of keep my head and still play well in the tie-break.'
With the win, Popyrin becomes the last Australian remaining in the men's singles draw, carrying national hopes into the second week of the tournament.
He will now face 12th seed Tommy Paul of the United States, a powerful and athletic baseliner who has already spent over 10 hours on court through three matches.
Paul has played back-to-back five-setters and may be vulnerable to a fresher opponent.
Popyrin, who entered the tournament as the 25th seed, began his campaign with a walkover win when Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka retired due to injury.
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