Australian Alexei Popyrin scores a steely victory over compatriot Chris O’Connell in opening-round singles action in Brisbane.
Brisbane, Australia, 31 December 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Alexei Popyrin has survived a spirited challenge from fellow Aussie Chris O’Connell to make a winning start to his Brisbane International campaign.
The world No.40 needed three hours and five minutes to carve out a 6-4 6-7(5) 7-6(4) victory at Pat Rafter Arena this afternoon.
“That’s a battle for the last match of the year,” Popyrin said.
“But what a battle it was. Oaks (O’Connell) played unbelievable and I had to really keep my level high to be able to win this match.
“If I didn’t keep my level, if I didn’t keep my focus, I would have lost this match easy. He played unbelievable and if he continues playing like this, he’ll do big things this summer for sure.”
> READ: O’Connell sets sights on top-50 breakthrough
Popyrin, who entered the clash with only a single win from his past 10 matches against an Australian opponent, was proud of his mental resolve under immense pressure.
“I had a lot of opportunities in the third set to be able to go up a break and he played some unbelievable points, served some unbelievable bombs,” the 23-year-old said.
“I kept my focus, kept positive and just came through in the tiebreak. That’s what we were working on this year a lot.”
Popyrin’s second-round opponent is yet to be decided. It will be either world No.17 Ben Shelton, the tournament’s third seed, or world No.39 Roman Safiullin.
In men’s qualifying singles action, two Australians upset higher-ranked opponents to earn main-draw spots.
Li Tu, a 27-year-old from Adelaide, recorded his second ever top-100 win. The world No.225 posted a 6-3 7-6(5) victory against Daniel Elahi Galan, a Colombian ranked No.93, to qualify at an ATP 250 tournament for only the second time in his career.
James Duckworth, who trains at the Queensland Tennis Centre, secured his main-draw spot with a 6-1 7-6(2) win over world No.84 Gregoire Barrere.
It’s been a day to remember for Australian competitors, with Arina Rodionova also notching her biggest win in almost four years in the women’s singles competition.
> READ: Rodionova scores top-50 victory in Brisbane
Aussies in action – Brisbane International
TODAY’S RESULTS
Men’s singles, first round
Alexei Popyrin (AUS) d Chris O’Connell (AUS) 6-4 6-7(5) 7-6(4)
Men’s qualifying…
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