Popyrin on a possible duel with Sinner: "I'm not worried, I know what I am capable of"
The Australian wants to reassert himself as a giant killer, as he did in the last edition of the US Open, and shows confidence in himself.
The draw for the US Open 2025 revealed a potential showdown in the second round, with Alexei Popyrin as the focal point. The Australian could pose a significant challenge for Jannik Sinner, and in the pre-tournament press conference, he displayed immense self-confidence in these types of situations.
If there's a player none of the top players in the world would want to face in the early rounds of a Grand Slam, it's Alexei Popyrin. The Australian's inconsistency conceals a superb level of tennis when he is fully motivated and mentally fresh. He is one of those players who thrives in adversity, as evidenced by his 7-3 record against top-10 players in the last year and 11-4 against top-20 opponents throughout his career.
Aware that many eyes are on him following the draw of the US Open 2025, positioning him as a potential opponent for Jannik Sinner in the second round, the Australian appeared in the press conference exuding great self-assurance. "Not being a seed is a different situation for me compared to what I've experienced in the last year, but I feel it could work in my favor to play more freely, not thinking about defending points," he explained.
After seeing how his title last year in Canada seemed impossible to replicate, losing 1,250 points, he was indeed one of the opponents to avoid in the early rounds. "I'm feeling very good. The start of the year was tough, and that's what condemns me to be outside the top 30 now, but after the two free weeks I took after Wimbledon, I'm mentally very fresh. I showed a good level in Canada and Cincinnati; I believe I can keep improving," he explained.
- Popyrin has a very favorable record against top-10 and top-20 opponents
The serve and forehand of Alexei Popyrin can indeed become a lethal weapon, especially under the lights of Flushing Meadows. This was evident last year with his victory over Djokovic in the second round, and now he may face the toughest challenge possible today.
"I'm not going to complain about the draw I've got; I knew I would have to face some of the best in the early rounds. I want to focus on winning my first match (against Ruusuvuori), and if I have to play against Jannik, I won't be worried because I know what I'm capable of in such situations," affirmed Alexei Popyrin, who stands as the major obstacle for Jannik Sinner in this US Open 2025, where the Italian is the top favorite.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Popyrin, sobre un posible duelo con Sinner: "No estoy preocupado, sé de lo que soy capaz"