Almost 12 months ago, Alexei Popyrin stunned Novak Djokovic in the US Open third round.
Popyrin had been in fine form heading into the tournament, having won his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the 2024 Canadian Open.
After defeating Kwon Soon-woo and Pedro Martinez at the 2024 US Open, the Australian star handily defeated Djokovic, 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4.
This year, Popyrin faces a similar situation, as he will face Jannik Sinner in the US Open second round if both players win their opening round matches.
Ahead of his opening round match against Emil Ruusuvuori, Popyrin discussed whether he is worried about his US Open draw.
Alexei Popyrin is ‘not really worried’ about the prospect of facing Jannik Sinner
Popyrin, formerly world number 19, has just missed the cut for seeded players at the US Open.
The Australian is now ranked 36th in the world, just outside the top 32 players who are seeded for Grand Slam tournaments.
If Popyrin had been seeded, he would not have faced another seeded player until at least the third round.
However, this factor does not seem to have fazed Popyrin in the slightest.
Speaking to reporters at his pre-tournament press conference, Popyrin said: “For me it’s a good draw. I’m not too worried about it honestly.
“I think I’m focused on my first round, and if I happen to play Jannik in the second round, I’ll play him in the second round.
“If you want to win these tournaments, you have to beat one of these players at some point. Just because I don’t have a number in front of my name, it’s a round earlier than it could have been.
“It is what it is. I know my game, I know how I can play, and I know the trouble I can cause to those players.
“So I’m not really worried about it or anything like that.”
Heading into the US Open, Popyrin has produced some steady form, reaching the Canadian Open quarter-finals before being defeated in the Cincinnati Open third round.
Jannik Sinner, who did not play in the Canadian Open, retired in the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness.
Alexei Popyrin has won his only ATP Tour match against Jannik Sinner
Why shouldn’t Alexei Popyrin be confident of his chances against Jannik Sinner? After all, the Australian won their only ATP Tour contest to date.
While this contest happened a long time ago, at the 2021 Madrid Open, one should not underestimate the confidence a player can gain from having a superior head-to-head record over their opponent.
The pair also contested an exhibition match earlier in 2025: ahead of the Australian Open.
While not an official competitive ATP Tour match, Sinner showcased his quality to defeat Popyrin 6-4 7-6 in Melbourne, Australia.
