Popyrin gains confidence in Houston and sets up clash with Michelsen

**Alexei Popyrin** needs victories, one of those players stuck in his own tennis when things don't quite go smoothly. Capable of the best and the worst, his first-round match at **ATP Houston 2026** was a great opportunity to get back on the winning track; he did not waste it, defeating Patrick Kypson **(4-6, 6-4, 6-3)** to leave behind two victories in his American hard-court tour debuts. On American soil, the Australian will now face Alex Michelsen in the second round, who continues his good start in 2026.

Other results of the day (first round):

• Nishesh Basavareddy (WC) d. Liam Draxl (Q) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4
• Tomás Etcheverry (6) d. Federico Gómez (Q) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4
• Brandon Nakashima (5) d. Martin Damm Jr 7-6(0), 6-2
• Alex Michelsen (7) d. Coleman Wong 6-4, 6-2
• Rinky Hijikata d. Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 6-2

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Popyrin gana confianza en Houston y se cita con Michelsen