Tennis

Alexei Popyrin has etched his name into the annals of tennis history by becoming the first Australian to win an ATP Masters 1000 title since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003. The 25-year-old Sydneysider capped off a remarkable week in Montreal by defeating world No. 5 Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 in the final of the Omnium Banque Nationale.Popyrin's triumph marks a stunning breakthrough for the Australian, who had never previously reached a Masters 1000 quarterfinal. His victory is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.The match began with Popyrin seizing the initiative, breaking Rublev's serve in the opening game. The Australian continued to dominate, showcasing his impressive range of shots and aggressive play. Rublev struggled to find his rhythm, and Popyrin took full advantage, securing a double break to take control of the first set.In the second set, Popyrin continued to dictate the pace, breaking Rublev's serve early on. However, Rublev showed his resilience by breaking back and leveling the set at 3-3. Undeterred, Popyrin regained the momentum, breaking Rublev's serve once more and serving out the match to claim his third tour-level title.Popyrin's victory is a major milestone for Australian tennis. It is the first time an Australian man has won a Masters 1000 event since Hewitt's triumph at Indian Wells in 2003. Popyrin's success is a testament to the strength and depth of Australian tennis, and it bodes well for the future of the sport in the country.

Grigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev's Bromance Takes Center Stage in MontrealGrigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev, the ATP Tour's beloved bromance, reunited in Montreal, much to the delight of fans. During Rublev's post-match interview with Tennis Channel, Dimitrov made a surprise appearance, interrupting the conversation with a playful grin."My love Grigor is here also," Rublev exclaimed, adding, "Now I cannot talk because you're here!"Dimitrov joined Rublev on screen, congratulating him on his victory. The pair's affectionate display showcased their close bond, which has become a fan favorite on the tour.Dimitrov, seeded seventh, had earlier defeated Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in straight sets. Rublev, seeded fifth, had also secured a victory in his opening match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.The bromance between Dimitrov and Rublev has been well-documented, with the duo often sharing heartfelt messages and gestures of support. In a recent birthday message to Rublev, Dimitrov praised his friend's authenticity and vulnerability.Rublev's decision to skip the Paris Olympics in favor of hard-court practice appears to be paying off. After a string of disappointing results, he has regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Umag and quarterfinals in Washington D.C."We felt like mentally I was not ready to play," Rublev explained. "We decided to give priority to my (singles) career. We took time off to try to recover a bit mentally."Rublev will face American qualifier Brandon Nakashima in the third round, a rematch of their Barcelona encounter where Nakashima upset the Russian.The Dimitrov-Rublev bromance continues to captivate fans, adding a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the competitive world of tennis.