Alexei Popyrin joins Novak Djokovic on exclusive list following Canadian Open title run
ATPWednesday, 14 August 2024 at 08:00
Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin won the biggest title of his career last weekend at the 2024 Canadian Open, and by virtue of this victory now sits on a distinguished list alongside 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
The 25-year old defeated World No.6 Andrey Rublev in clinical fashion on Monday, dispatching of the Russian with a 6-2 6-4 victory. Popyrin was ranked at 62nd in the world at the start of the tournament, but has now risen up the rankings to a career-high of World No.23.
Popyrin equals record set by Djokovic in 2007
The Sydney native became the first man to win the Canadian Open on his main draw debut at the event since Djokovic prevailed in Montreal in 2007. Popyrin lost in qualifying at the tournament in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Furthermore, he is just the fourth Australian man to win an ATP Masters 1000 title, and first to do so in over 20 years. Below are the three Aussies who had prevailed at that level prior to Popyrin's victory.
Patrick Rafter - 1998 Canadian Open, 1998 Cincinnati Masters
The former world No 1 and two-time US Open winner was a runner-up in four Masters finals following his two wins.
The former world No 1 and two-time US Open winner was a runner-up in four Masters finals following his two wins.
Mark Philippoussis – 1999 Indian Wells Masters
The two-time major finalist and former world No 8 lost his second and last Masters 1000 final at the 2000 Paris Masters to Safin.
The two-time major finalist and former world No 8 lost his second and last Masters 1000 final at the 2000 Paris Masters to Safin.
Lleyton Hewitt – 2002 and 2003 Indian Wells Masters
The former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion was also a five-time runner-up at Masters 1000 level.
The former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion was also a five-time runner-up at Masters 1000 level.
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- Done, looks good!
AceOfBase17-09-2024 - FYI: The term 'snub' is a much overused verb by writers of sensationalist rags. [SNUB: rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully]. That is not the definition of what is going on with frequent withdrawals from tournaments.
mandoist16-09-2024 - No offence, Mr. Lloyd, but where have you been the past two years?? How long have you been a tennis fan? This 'article' may be informative for newbies or fair-weather tennis observers but the majority of fans know the root of the multiple issues within WTA. The #1 issue being the subject of health & well-being which has been (or has attempted to be) addressed with the WTA Elitist council members last season. WTA was extremely dismissive of players' concerns and opposed to such a meeting. Eventually giving-in due to publicity and allowed selective players only -- no rep's, no medical personnel, and no team members. The meeting was a farce as WTA soon after that released an even more hectic schedule... with mandatory tourneys! Guess they weren't taking notes?? BTW: There is a lot missing from this piece concerning "withdrawals". No writer has yet taken the jump to get behind the scenes and dig at the problems -- obvious organizational problems. IMO, the top two issues are WTA's lack of proper attention to health & well-being of its Money-Makers; and Financial Greed. Tip to Mr. Lloyd: there is no "snubbing" when these players withdraw. These women have to take such measures as withdrawing from a tourney, and occasional time-off from the circuit, to protect themselves -- because WTA refuses to take any measures at all (although not allowing matches until sunrise is a start). Surely you can do better than point fingers at players. The finger-pointing should be directed entirely at WTA (and ATP). Be a true journalist, Mr. Lloyd, and research them!!mandoist16-09-2024
- Uh-oh.... Now Raducanu is being forced to compete! Let's see who withdraws next... I wonder??mandoist15-09-2024
- And this is such a shock to WTA?? How many times are they (WTA & ATP) going to keep stepping in their own s*** ???mandoist15-09-2024
