Rising star Alexei Popyrin aims big 2021 season

Rising Australian star Alexei Popyrin acknowledged that the last season wasn't really easy for him and he is hoping to have a big 2021 season. 

Popryin, ranked at No. 114 in the world, had a solid showing in first tournament of the season as he made the third round at the Murray River Open in Melbourne.

Popyrin competed extremely well against 2017 Nittp ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov but eventually lost to the Bulgarian 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-3.

“Last year wasn’t really the best year for me,” Popyrin told Tennis Australia.. “It was a difficult year for everybody. But I just want to perform better than last year. I want to get a couple wins under my belt here in Australia and then hopefully I can continue that form throughout the year.”

Popyrin had a good preseason 

Popyrin, a former world No. 87, spent his preseason at the Mouratoglou Academy, where he did some good fork before the season.

“I spent my first four weeks there focusing mainly on fitness and on the physical aspect of my game, which I think improved dramatically over this off season,” he said. “I’m feeling in my best shape, feeling really, really good.”

Last year, Popyrin made the third round at the Australian Open, before losing to world No. 4 Daniil Medvedev.

Popyrin is hoping to again have a good showing at Melbourne Park.

“The last two years have been really special for me in Australia, tennis-wise,” Popyrin said.

“I’ve always brought my A game to the Aussie Open and I think the crowd really helps that. The home crowd and obviously playing at home where I grew up plays a big part too.”

Popyrin, who spends much of his time in Europe, is enjoying being in Australia and spending time with his sister.

“I just love to spend time with my sister whenever I’m back,” he said, noting this year is extra special as his sister is pregnant.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2YRyEAY