Popy, Australia, Fritz: Everything you always wanted to know about Alexei Popyrin (but never had the time to find out) – updated after 2024 Australian Open
Alexei Popyrin has just won his second singles title in Umag. Here are answers some common questions you may have about him
Alexei Popyrin at the 2023 Australian Open
Image Credit: AI/Reuters/Panoramic
You can follow Alexei Popyrin on Twitter and Instagram
Who is Alexei Popyrin?
Alexei Popyrin is a professional tennis player from Australia. He was born on August 5, 1999, in Sydney, Australia.
Aged eight, he moved to Dubai for two years due to his father’s work. In 2010, his family moved to Alicante, Spain, where Alex de Minaur was his neighbour.
He made himself famous when he defeated Taylor Fritz at the 2023 Australian Open in front of his home crowd. Here are all his stats and facts.
What did Popyrin do at the 2024 Australian open?
Popyrin played world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open, but ultimately lost 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3.
What did Popyrin accomplish at the 2023 Australian Open?
Playing in front of his home crowd, Popyrin upset the No 8 seed Taylor Fritz 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.
The win moved him into the third round of his home Slam for the third time in five years, coming on the back of a difficult 2022 season.
What is Popyrin’s nationality?
Alexei Popyrin is Australian but is born to Russian parents. He speaks English, Russian and Spanish.
Who are Popyrin’s parents?
His parents are Elena and Alex. They immigrated to Australia before he was born.
His father Alex Popyrin is a co-founder of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown with Patrick Mouratoglou during the Coronavirus shutdown.
“My mum is my inspiration. I don’t remember the last time she missed a training session. She’s definitely never missed a match”, he told to ABC in 2017. “The sacrifices she’s made are the reason I am where I am right now. I’m so grateful for everything that she’s done for me.”
In 2021, Popyrin took the decision to travel on the Tour on his own but his parents are still following his path closely.
Who are Popyrin’s idols?
Juan Martin del Potro is Popyrin’s tennis idol. “He’s the same type of player,” Mouratoglou told the Herald Sun in 2017. “Same type of qualities.” Big serve and big forehand.
Popyrin also loves sprinter Usain Bolt.
At what age did he start playing tennis?
He began playing tennis at the age of four at the Kim Warwick Tennis Academy in Hornsby, Australia.
Who is Popyrin’s coach?
The Australian is currently being coached by Fernando Bogajo. He has been training at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy near Sophia Antipolis, as a ChampSeed graduate (Mouratoglou’s foundation) in the South East of France, since April 2017. Mouratoglou is supervising his development.
How many siblings does he have?
Alexei Popyrin has two sisters, Sonia and Anna, and one younger brother, Anthony. With Anthony, he served as a ball boy during the 2009 Dubai Tennis Championships.
When did Popyrin start his pro career?
In 2017, Alexei Popyrin won the French Open junior title. He then won his first professional ITF title in July 2017 in Poland, a victory which broke him in the Top 1000. He ended 2017 ranked No 622. He made his Grand Slam debut at the 2018 Australian Open thanks to a wild card.
What are his best performances at a Grand Slam?
Since his debut at the Australian Open in 2018, he has since made the 3rd round in both 2019 and 2020. He is also through to the round of 32 at the 2023 Australian Open after a thrilling five-set win over No 8 seed Taylor Fritz.
In 2021, he defeated David Goffin in a breathtaking thriller in Melbourne. He has also reached the third round of the US Open in 2019 and 2021.
How many ATP titles has Popyrin won?
In February 2021, Popyrin won his maiden ATP title at the Singapore Open, defeating Marin Cillic in the semi-final and Alexander Bublik in the final. He also made his debut in the Davis Cup in 2019 for Australia, winning his opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In July 2023, Popyrin defeated Stan Wawrinka in three sets to win the Croatia Open in Umag – his second singles title.
What is highest ranking?
Popyrin’s peak ranking has been No 57, which he achieved in July 2023. You can find his current ranking and his rankings history on his ATP Tour profile page.
Is Popyrin on Instagram?
Alexei Popyrin has an Instagram account, which is followed by almost 50,000 people, as of July 2023. He also has a Twitter account (@AlexeiPopyrin99) where he has not posted in over two years and is followed by 4,500 people.
Who is Popyrin’s girlfriend?
Alexei Popyrin has a girlfriend called Amy Pederick. He sometimes posts photos with her on Instagram. He spent the coronavirus lockdown with her at the Mouratoglou Academy. She is a student in London studying Physiotherapy.
What are some fun-facts about Popyrin?
Popyrin’s nicknames are “Pop” or “Popy.” The Australian is a huge Everton fan. He also supports the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA). His favourite book is Fever by Mary Beth Keane.
