Alexei Popyrin defeats Andrey Rublev to claim victory in the National Bank Open

Alexei Popyrin has his first ATP 1000 title.

The 25-year-old Australian secured his first ATP Masters 1000 title by upsetting world No. 6 Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 in the men’s final of the National Bank Open on Monday in Montreal.

Prior to the win, Popyrin had two championships at the 250 level, but was still looking for his breakthrough at the top level.

Despite it also being his first ever appearance in an ATP 1000 final, the moment didn’t look too big for Popyrin.

He blitzed Rublev right from the start of the match, visibly frustrating the No. 6 ranked player in the world en route to a 6-2 win in the opening set.

He carried that momentum right into the second set, breaking Rublev in the opening game then holding serve to take a 2-0 lead.

Rublev was able to break Popyrin for the first time in the middle of the second set to level the score at three games apiece but then was broken right back in his next service game to go down 4-3.

After the huge shift in momentum, highlighted by a huge scream of frustration by Rublev, Popyrin would go on to take the win in straight sets and improve to 2-1 against the Russian in his career.

Popyrin needed three sets to rally past Grigor Dimitrov in the round of 16 and Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals. He beat Sebastian Korda 7-6(0), 6-3 in the semis to reach the final.

In a thrilling match at the National Bank Open, Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin emerged victorious over Russian player Andrey Rublev to claim the title. The match, which took place on the hard courts of Toronto, Canada, showcased the incredible skill and determination of both players.

Popyrin, who is known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, started the match strong, taking an early lead in the first set. Rublev, on the other hand, is known for his consistency and relentless groundstrokes, fought back to level the score. The two players engaged in intense rallies, with each showcasing their strengths and pushing each other to their limits.

In the end, it was Popyrin who was able to maintain his composure and capitalize on his opportunities, ultimately winning the match in straight sets. His victory over Rublev, who is currently ranked in the top 10 in the world, is a significant achievement for the young Australian player.

Popyrin’s win at the National Bank Open is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. It also serves as a reminder of the depth of talent in men’s tennis, with young players like Popyrin making their mark on the tour.

As Popyrin celebrates his victory, tennis fans around the world are eagerly anticipating his future matches and watching as he continues to make a name for himself on the ATP tour. With his impressive performance at the National Bank Open, Popyrin has proven that he has what it takes to compete with the best in the world and is a player to watch in the coming years.