Popyrin celebrates his historic Montreal Masters 1000 win. © Twitter (@josemorgado)
Australian tennis star Alexei Popyrin made headlines by securing his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the 2024 Montreal event, delivering a stunning 6-2, 6-4 victory over World No. 6 Andrey Rublev. Entering the tournament ranked 62nd, Popyrin’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, making him the first Australian to win a Masters 1000 title in 21 years since Lleyton Hewitt’s triumph in Indian Wells. Popyrin’s aggressive style, featuring 18 forehand winners and a dominant serve, set the tone for a commanding win against the Russian powerhouse.
Impressive victories over top-ranked players marked Popyrin’s journey to the title Popyrin’s. The 25-year-old defeated three Top 10 opponents, including Sebastian Korda, Ben Shelton, and Grigor Dimitrov, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. His path to glory was further solidified by snapping Korda’s eight-match winning streak, underscoring Popyrin’s resilience and determination throughout the tournament.
Lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 champions
| Player | Rank | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Borna Coric | 152 | 2022 Cincinnati |
| Roberto Carretero | 143 | 1996 Hamburg |
| Mikael Pernfors | 95 | 1993 Montreal |
| Alexei Popyrin | 62 | 2024 Montreal |
| Chris Woodruff | 57 | 1997 Montreal |
The final against Rublev saw Popyrin fully embrace a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Breaking Rublev’s serve in the opening game, Popyrin never looked back, maintaining control with his powerful forehand and consistent serve. He saved all four break points he faced in the first set and showed composure in the second, immediately breaking back after losing his serve to seal the match. This victory improved Popyrin’s head-to-head record against Rublev to 2-1, marking his third ATP Tour title.
Rublev, who had been in solid form with a semi-final appearance in Washington, could not counter Popyrin’s relentless assault. Despite the loss, Rublev remains optimistic, noting his mental improvement and ability to handle pressure better than in previous matches. He remains a formidable competitor in the ATP Live Race to Turin, where he aims to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the fifth consecutive year.
Popyrin’s triumph in Montreal has propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 23 in the PIF ATP Rankings, cementing his status as a rising star in tennis. His victory is a testament to his hard work, the support of his family and team, and his ability to rise to the occasion on the sport’s biggest stages. As he prepares for the Cincinnati Open, where he faces Gael Monfils in the first round, Popyrin’s confidence will undoubtedly be at an all-time high.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Popyrin’s career and a proud moment for Australian tennis. With his aggressive play and unwavering determination, Popyrin has not only claimed a prestigious title but also announced his arrival as a serious contender on the ATP Tour. The tennis world will watch closely as he continues to build on this remarkable achievement.
