The first Grand Slam of the year is just around the corner, with the main draw of the Australian Open set to begin next week.
Alex de Minaur will be the host country’s best chance of a home hope emerging victorious Down Under, following his impressive 2025 campaign.
Australia’s second-highest-ranked player comes in the form of Alexei Popyrin, who currently sits 49th in the world.
Popyrin has endured a miserable start to his 2026 season, having crashed out in his opening match at both the Brisbane International and the Adelaide International, but he remains hopeful for the Australian Open.
Alexei Popyrin reacts to losing a second straight match in 2026
When asked if the two losses shake his belief heading into the Australian Open, Popyrin said: “No, I think if you look at the last two matches that I played, I’ve come across two players that, I think this week Reilly [Opelka] played pretty well, served pretty well, and there was not much I could do.
“Last week I think Quentin [Halys] played one of the best matches that I’ve seen him play.
“So the level from my side was really high last week. And then this week I’m proud of the way I kind of stuck in there.
“I think everything that we’ve been doing is good and it’s working. It might not be showing in the first two weeks of the year, but I’m looking forward to the AO, I think I can do some stuff there.”
Alexei Popyrin says this is the best he has felt in a long time
Despite the poor start, Popyrin said he is feeling as good as ever ahead of his run in Melbourne.
He explained: “Physically, mentally I think I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in a long time. I’m just trying to enjoy travelling again, enjoy my time off the court with loved ones, do some stuff that I love.
“I think, yeah, last year I didn’t quite enjoy travelling, enjoy my time, and that kind of affected the way I prepared for tournaments and the way I was practicing.
“I didn’t have the best mentality, and then it kind of translated into matches. This year I’ve been practicing really well.
“We’ve all been really, really positive in the camp. I think, yeah, it’s only a matter of time before results will come along.”
Popyrin has never made it past the third round at the Australian Open.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
