Giant Killer Alert: Alexei Popyrin Wins 7 of Last 9 vs Top 10
Australian tennis star Alexei Popyrin is making headlines around the globe, and for good reason. The 24-year-old rising star has won seven of his last nine matches against Top 10 players, a stat that places him among the most dangerous unseeded players on the ATP Tour right now. This remarkable streak isn’t just a lucky run—it’s the culmination of grit, talent, and sheer belief.
The Evolution of Alexei Popyrin
Popyrin first appeared on the global radar after winning the 2017 French Open boys’ singles title. However, it’s in the last 18 months that he has truly begun to fulfill his potential. Once seen as inconsistent and injury-prone, he’s now one of the most feared dark horses on tour, especially for seeded players.
His style? Aggressive, confident, and entertaining. His serve regularly crosses the 220 km/h mark, and he has the ability to dictate play from the baseline, especially with his scorching forehand.
Streak Against Top 10: Not a Fluke
Let’s break it down. In his last nine matches against ATP Top 10 players, Alexei Popyrin has walked off the court as the winner seven times. These wins include big names like:
Stefanos Tsitsipas – Beaten in straight sets with incredible composure
Andrey Rublev – Taken down in a tiebreak-heavy thriller
Holger Rune – A recent scalp in what many called the “match of the week”
Casper Ruud – Overpowered with baseline aggression
Felix Auger-Aliassime – Outplayed tactically and mentally
These are not just wins—they are statement victories. They show that Popyrin doesn’t just belong among the elite—he thrives under pressure.
What Changed for Popyrin?
So, what’s behind this transformation? According to Popyrin himself, a lot of it has to do with mental preparation and training smarter, not harder.
> “I stopped trying to play like other players and started focusing on what makes me dangerous,” he said in a post-match interview. “Belief changes everything.”
He’s also hired a new coaching team, working more closely on court positioning, point construction, and mental resilience. His improved return game has surprised many opponents who previously considered him a serve-dependent player.
Australia’s Next Grand Slam Contender?
With Nick Kyrgios frequently injured and Thanasi Kokkinakis yet to find consistency, tennis fans in Australia have turned their eyes toward Alexei Popyrin. Could he be the one to end the country’s Grand Slam drought?
Many believe so. His recent form, especially against high-ranked opponents, suggests that a deep Slam run is just around the corner. With the US Open 2025 on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better.
Tennis World Reacts to Alexei Popyrin
The global tennis community is taking notice:
“Popyrin is no longer a future talent. He’s a now talent,” says former pro and analyst Mats Wilander.
“That forehand is a weapon—like Wawrinka’s with more topspin,” tweeted a former Top 20 ATP player.
Social media is buzzing with hashtags like
#PopyrinOnFire, #AlexeiPopyrin, and #ATP2025.
Strength in the Stats
Win rate vs Top 10 players in last 9 matches: 77.7%
Most improved service points won on return games: +12% since 2024
Unforced errors per match: Down from 36 to 21 on average
These improvements are measurable and massive. They suggest not just a streak—but a sustained shift in form and maturity.
As we head into the US Open 2025, Popyrin will be unseeded but deadly. Players seeded in the top 10 will be watching the draw closely—no one wants to face Alexei Popyrin in the early rounds. With his giant-killer reputation, he could very well shake up the tournament.