Australia’s last-standing singles hope at the Paris Olympics, Alexei Popyrin, has beaten Stan Wawrinka to book a clash with the reigning Olympic champion, while Matt Ebden and John Peers have also moved through.
Paris, 31 July 2024 | tennis.com.au
Alexei Popyrin has kept the Australian flag flying into the men’s singles third round at the Paris Olympics after defeating three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 at Roland Garros on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old became the first Australian man to reach as far at the Olympics since Lleyton Hewitt at London 2012.
“I’m happy I got through in two sets, I think that was really important to conserve some energy if I play tomorrow,” Popyrin said.
The Australian was not broken during the match and was happy to compete in the hot conditions.
“I think in some way it was beneficial for me, because the ball was more lively, so that kind of helped me on my serve,” he said. “Not facing a breakpoint, that just proves the fact that if I served well then it would be in my favour, and it was. I just had to wait for my chances on return, try and stay calm under the pressure.
“I think the heat can get to you mentally sometimes and I just didn’t let it affect me. I’m used to this heat coming from Australia and living in Dubai. I’ve trained and played in the heat a lot, I kinda like it.”
OLYXEI 🤩
Defeating Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5, @AlexeiPopyrin99 become the first Aussie into the #Olympics men’s singles third round since Lleyton Hewitt at London 2012.#AllezAUS #Paris2024 #Tennis pic.twitter.com/IAvsjAPaVs
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) July 30, 2024
Popyrin said when he was able to move Wawrinka from side to side he noticed the conditions started to affect his opponent.
“His ball quality and his ball striking make it hard for you to dictate, so that’s why I was really happy with what I did on my serve,” he said. “I got the first serve in and then I was able to dictate from there. On the return, when he missed the first serve I was able to get a second serve return in and try and dictate from there also.”
The world No.63 was able to rely on his captain Hewitt at pivotal moments throughout the match.
“It was an amazing crowd, amazing atmosphere. It was really good fun,” Popyrin said. “I was able to stay in my own bubble with my team, with Rusty in my box. I just kept eye contact with Lleyton and that’s all that mattered.
“He hold me…
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