Alexei Popyrin, unseeded in the men’s singles draw, shocked the tennis world by triumphing at the National Bank Open in Montréal last week. The twenty-five-year-old became the first Australian to win a Masters 1000 title in over two decades, an achievement celebrated by the jubilant Aussie fans that filled the IGA Stadium throughout Popyrin’s fairy-tale week. The Australian was particularly impressive in the final, hitting thirty-one winners and just ten unforced errors in a 6–2, 6–4 victory over fifth seed Andrey Rublev. The result was Popyrin’s third Top-10 scalp of the week, following three-set victories over Grigor Dimitrov and Hubert Hurkacz. All six of his wins came against higher-ranked players, with Popyrin rising to the occasion in each match. Following his victory over Rublev, the Australian thanked his team, and paid tribute to his own determination: ‘This means so much, it means the world,’ he said. ‘All the hard work we’ve put in over the last couple of years has paid off.’
An Unexpected Champion
Popyrin’s run to the title is especially remarkable considering his disappointing season thus far. The Australian arrived in Montréal ranked outside the world’s top 60, having failed to reach a quarterfinal on the ATP Tour since February. He only won one match between April and June, before showing glimpses of his best tennis to reach the third round of Wimbledon. However, this was followed by consecutive first-round losses on the European clay, making him a clear underdog coming into the hardcourt season. Only three players ranked lower than Popyrin have ever won a Masters 1000 title, a statistic that further underlines the scale of his achievement. After clinching victory over Rublev, Popyrin was overcome with emotion. Taking a pen from a cameraman, he scrawled the words ‘What just happened!’ on a TV camera lens, reflecting his disbelief at a victory that few fans could have predicted.
Now, Popyrin faces the difficult task of bringing his momentum to the US Open. Just two days after his victory in Montréal, the Australian lost in the opening round of the Cincinatti Open. Showing signs of exhaustion, he hit fewer winners than unforced errors and was broken three times during his straight-sets defeat. However, the Australian has a chance to regroup before heading to New York, where he will be seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
Amy Pederick: Who is Alexei Popyrin’s Girlfriend?
After winning the National Bank Open, Popyrin gave a shoutout to his girlfriend, Amy Pederick, who has been by his side since 2019. ‘She’s seen me having the worst year in my career, and she was there for me,’ Popyrin said, ‘She knows that I wouldn’t be here without her.’ Although unable to attend her boyfriend’s matches in Montréal, Pederick supported him throughout the week, and the couple spoke on the phone shortly after the trophy ceremony. She later celebrated her boyfriend’s success on Instagram, posting a story that read: ‘Proud doesn’t even come close. You’re so incredible and beyond deserving! Enjoy every second my love.’ Pederick, who is a physiotherapist, is also part of Popyrin’s fitness team.
Alexei Popyrin with his girlfriend, Amy Pederick.
Anisimova Falls Short
In the women’s tournament (held in Toronto) Amanda Anisimova almost pulled off a stunning triumph of her own. The American – ranked 132nd in the world, and entering the draw on a protected ranking – showed brilliant form en route to her first WTA 1000 final. However, the twenty-two-year-old was beaten in the title match by Jessica Pegula, who became the first woman to defend a National Bank title in over two decades. Despite the loss, Anisimova is now back in the world’s Top 50, and appears to be regaining formidable form after her break from tennis due to mental health reasons. Both Popyrin and Anisimova will enter the US Open with newfound confidence, and will be players to watch as the season’s final slam gets underway.
