Tennis

Alexei Popyrin, the rising Australian star, has emerged as a formidable force against Top 10 players, notching an impressive five wins in his last six encounters. His latest triumph came against world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev at the Rolex Paris Masters, a nail-biting 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4) victory.Popyrin's remarkable run began in Montreal in August, where he stunned three Top 10 players en route to his maiden Masters 1000 title. He then recorded the biggest win of his career over Novak Djokovic, then ranked No. 2, at the US Open.The 24-year-old's success against elite opposition is not a fluke. He now boasts 11 career wins over Top 10 players, including three against Top 5 players. In 2021, he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas, then ranked No. 3, in Paris.Popyrin's victory over Medvedev was a testament to his resilience and determination. After losing the second set, he rallied back in the third, taking a 4-1 lead. Medvedev fought back to level at 4-4, but Popyrin held firm and eventually prevailed in the tie-break.In the third round, Popyrin will face Karen Khachanov, who ended the winning streak of Basel champion Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Khachanov holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over Popyrin.Popyrin's recent performances have solidified his status as a rising star in the tennis world. His ability to challenge and defeat Top 10 players is a testament to his talent and unwavering belief in himself. As he continues to progress, Popyrin is poised to make even more waves in the sport.

Alex de Minaur's remarkable run at the 2023 Roland Garros reached new heights on Saturday as he became the first Australian man in 17 years to reach the fourth round of the clay-court major. However, it was not just his on-court performance that made headlines, but also the unwavering support of a young superfan who inspired him throughout the rain-soaked match.Throughout the four-set victory over Jan-Lennard Struff, the young boy, clad in rain gear and a backwards gray cap, was a constant presence on television cameras, cheering, clapping, and pumping his fists with every point de Minaur won. Despite multiple rain interruptions that dragged the match to over eight hours, the boy's courtside passion never wavered.De Minaur, who was visibly lifted by the support, acknowledged the boy's impact after the match. "I'm looking at him and thinking of if I was a fan, I would probably be back home, because it was bloody cold out there," he said. "I don't understand what this kid is doing, but, oh, he gave me life."After securing the victory, de Minaur made a beeline for the courtside seats to give his superfan a big hug, a high-five, and handed him a towel from his bag. "I was, like, Mate ... It was a relief more than anything. It was amazing. I appreciate this kid," de Minaur said.The heartwarming moment went viral on social media, with the video of the embrace being viewed over 1 million times on Roland Garros' official Twitter account. De Minaur later launched a public plea on social media to find the young fan, saying he "need[ed]" him in the stands for the next round.By Sunday morning, social media had done its job. De Minaur posted an update to his Instagram story that he had located the youngster. Whether the good luck charm will be in the crowd when de Minaur takes on Daniil Medvedev on Monday for a first-ever Roland Garros quarterfinal remains to be seen.

Alexei Popyrin's love for clay has reached new heights after his stunning victory over Andrey Rublev at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The unseeded Australian, who has now defeated six Top 10 players, credits his comfort on the surface for his success."Right now, I think it is my favorite surface!" exclaimed Popyrin after dethroning the defending champion. "It gives me more time on my groundstrokes, and my serve is just as effective as on hard courts. I'm able to do more with my groundstrokes and move comfortably on the surface."Popyrin's affinity for clay stands in contrast to many of his countrymen, who have traditionally excelled on grass. However, Popyrin's early move to Spain and his upbringing on the terre battue have shaped his game."I kind of grew up on it," said Popyrin. "I'm enjoying every moment of it on the clay."Popyrin's victory over Rublev was a testament to his consistent aggression and improved focus. He struck 25 winners and maintained a high level of play throughout the match."I've known I have the quality to compete with these top guys," said Popyrin. "It's just a matter of keeping the focus, the energy, and the level."Rublev, on the other hand, has struggled since his default in Dubai. He has lost his last six sets played and is desperate for answers.Popyrin will next face another "Aussie on clay," Alex de Minaur, who rallied from a set down to defeat Tallon Griekspoor. The pair have a close relationship as part of the Australian Davis Cup team."We have an awesome group of guys," said Popyrin. "We're such a tight-knit group that I honestly can't pick just one."Popyrin's success on clay is a testament to his adaptability and his belief in his abilities. As he continues his journey in Monte Carlo, he will look to build on his momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.