Popyrin stops triple major champ to reach Olympics third round | 31 July, 2024 | All News | News and Features | News and Events [Video]

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 …