Aussie Alexei Popyrin has melted the world’s hearts with an emotional post-match interview after pulling off a shocking five-set upset of US eighth seed Taylor Fritz.
Fritz was anticipated to go deep within the match however he was one more early casualty on a day of upsets with 5 seeded gamers together with No. 2 seed Casper Ruud and twelfth seed Alexander Zverev knocked out of the match earlier than the evening session had even begun.
But it was Popyrin that was a favorite upset, with the Aussie coming from 113th on the earth and needing a wildcard to even play within the occasion after a surprising 2022 season.
Already in 2023 he’s defeated World No. 7 Felix Auger-Aliassime and now the World No. 9 in Fritz.
Popyrin had an absolute shocker of a season final 12 months, profitable simply 5 from 22 matchers on the ATP Tour and dropping from a profession excessive of World No. 59 to a low of World No. 131.
After finishing the win towards Fritz 6-7 7-6 6-4 6-7 6-2, the aid and emotion was clear for the 23-year-old from Sydney.
Soaking all of it in, Popyrin even joined within the crowd chanting “Popy, Popy”.
Wiping away sweat and tears, Popyrin was blown away.
“You guys were just incredible, oh my god,” Popyrin started.
“Crazy man, I really couldn’t have done it without you guys.
“This win, it means so much to me. I had a tough year last year. Didn’t win many matches, I’ve won as many matches this year as I did all of last year.
“Pre-season I put my head down and I worked as hard as I possibly could. I don’t want that feeling I had last year ever again. I’m going to keep working, I’m going to keep pushing, I’m going to try and keep going all the way. I love this feeling, I want more of this feeling, I want you guys to have this feeling more … Man I love you guys so much. Thank you.”
Popyrin was in or close to tears all through the interview along with his voice shaking beneath the load of what he had simply achieved.
Incredibly, in Popyrin’s part of the draw, Ruud and Fritz imply that the following time he’ll face a seeded participant might be the semi-finals, relying on the results of the Roberto Bautista Agut — Brandon Holt match. If Holt wins, it’ll be the semi-finals, though that may possible be towards Novak Djokovic or Andrey Rublev.
Asked about his workforce and their reactions, Popyrin stated it was like they had been on the courtroom with him.
“It means so much to them – I was playing four hours and me and my coach were locked in, it was like two against one against Fritzy,” Popyrin stated.
“We had the same thoughts all the time and I really couldn’t have done it without them. The work we put in this pre-season and the work we put in last year as well, even when things weren’t going well, this is a dream for me and I don’t want to wake up at all.”
Popyrin will play Ben Shelton tomorrow and stated he’d not even take a look at a racquet tomorrow to ensure he’s 100 per cent for the match.
The world shortly fell in love with the Aussie star.
Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott wrote: “Popyrin in tears has got me cutting onions over here. What a beautiful interview. You deserve it mate!”
Sport reporter Nick McCarvel commented: “Goosebumps from on-court interview from Alexei Popyrin with @caseydellacqua.”
The Express’ Yasmin Syed tweeted: “Incredible effort from Popyrin. Incredible. Didn‘t let his head go when he lost the fourth and pulled off a really complete performance to upset Fritz. Such an emotional win after struggling last year with barely any matches and falling out of the top 100.”
CODE Sports’ Adam Peacock added: “Awesome scenes on JCA. Stands literally shaking on match point for Popyrin.”
Rayder Media co-owner Derek Alberts posted: “Australian Alexei Popyrin delivers a magnificent performance on court and follows that up with one of the most memorable post-match interviews ever seen in Melbourne.”
