Australian teen Alexei Popyrin has triggered an Adelaide International boilover, surprising Canadian world No.6 Felix Auger-Aliassime of their first-round battle.
The 23-year-old has two wins towards prime 10 gamers to his identify however each had been mid-match retirements.
This time the world No.120 proved he was the true cope with a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory to ship the second seed packing.
The Sydneysider who got here by qualifying, trailed within the 0-3 within the second set and was additionally down a mini-break within the tiebreak however each occasions clawed his approach again.
He solely wanted one match level to wrap up the most important win of his profession.
After a tough 2022, Popyrin mentioned it was good to see his arduous work paying off below new coach, former Belgian star Xavier Malisse, who’s a former world top-20 participant.
“I’m pretty happy, it’s obviously an unbelievable feeling,” Popyrin mentioned on court docket after the match.
“I had a really, really tough season last year and to come out after qualifying and to beat a player of his quality just showed the work I did in the off-season is paying off already.”
Popyrin’s match stats had been spectacular with 12 aces to his 22-year-old rival’s seven whereas he additionally hit 10 extra winners.
Known for his booming serve, he confirmed he was including to his recreation successful 22 factors from the online – double that of Auger-Aliassime.
He mentioned that Malisse was working to enhance his consistency.
“We started in October and he’s been a great addition to my team.
“He’s making an attempt to convey somewhat little bit of consistency to my recreation.
“I’ve got the big serve, got the big forehand but I want to be more consistent.”
Meanwhile, showcourt 1 was overflowing with followers who packed in to see former world No.1 Novak Djokovic play his first match in Australia in two years.
Playing doubles, Djokovic paired with Vasek Pospisil to tackle Gonzalo Escobar and Tomislav Brkic within the first spherical.
Djokovic, who was deported final 12 months forward of the Australian Open, was warmly welcomed on to court docket with a loud cheer as followers queued to see the Serbian celebrity in motion.
But he was unable to ship a win, falling to the doubles specialists 4-6 6-3 (10-5).
