How Did Popyrin Rally to Upset Rune While Defending His Canadian Open Title?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, Alexei Popyrin fought back from a set down to defeat Holger Rune at the National Bank Open. This victory not only keeps his title defense alive but also showcases his growing confidence on hard courts.
Key Takeaways
- Popyrin's resilience showcased in his comeback against Rune.
- The importance of mental strength in high-stakes matches.
- Popyrin's use of powerful serves to dominate the game.
- The impact of unforced errors on match outcomes.
- Upcoming challenge against top seed Alexander Zverev.
Toronto, Aug 3 (NationPress) Defending champion Alexei Popyrin achieved his second back-to-back victory against a former Top 5 player, coming from behind to outplay fifth seed Holger Rune with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers in Toronto on Sunday (IST).
Popyrin struggled initially, going 0/11 on break point chances in the first set, but turned the match around by successfully converting both break points in the second set and his first in the third. He finished strong with 14 aces and 13 forehand winners, according to ATP.
“I began this week lacking confidence and needed to grasp the mental aspect,” Popyrin reflected on defending his title and the important 1000 points. “However, I managed to release the pressure this week.”
“After losing the first set, I was frustrated [for not breaking]. But when I returned for the next set, I felt in control of the match. I reminded myself to be aggressive on the next break point, and from that moment, I felt quite at ease.”
The 25-year-old Australian showcased an impressive mix of Serve + 1 power and consistency, making only two unforced errors from the baseline in the second set, thus extending his winning streak to nine matches in Canada. His next opponent will be top seed Alexander Zverev.
Popyrin, who eliminated former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in the third round, has reached his first hard-court quarter-final at any level since his remarkable title run in Montreal last year.
“I feel at home on these courts, where I can hit my first aggressive shot and then dictate the play… My forehand was exceptional today,” Popyrin commented.
With 30 winners to 24 unforced errors, Popyrin outperformed Rune, who recorded 24 winners and 39 unforced errors, as per Infosys ATP Stats.
Ranked No. 26 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Popyrin faced the risk of slipping outside the Top 50 without a strong performance in Toronto, defending the crucial 1000 points he earned last year in Montreal.
Point of View
I believe that Popyrin’s recent victory not only reflects his tenacity but also highlights the unpredictability of tennis. His ability to bounce back after a shaky start against a formidable opponent like Rune demonstrates the mental strength required at this level. This match is a testament to the evolving dynamics of the sport, where every player can surprise us.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the key moments in Popyrin's match against Rune?
Popyrin's pivotal moments included overcoming an initial setback by successfully converting break points in the second and third sets, showcasing his aggressive play and mental resilience.
How does Popyrin's victory affect his ATP ranking?
Popyrin, currently ranked No. 26, risks falling outside the Top 50 without a strong performance in Toronto, as he defends crucial points from last year.
