Australia’s Alexei Popyrin has reached the third round of Roland-Garros for the first time in his career, marking a significant milestone as he aims for a spot in the top 20. His recent improvement has been influenced by the coaching of Wayne Ferreira, who, despite his previous experience with Jack Draper, approached Popyrin’s coaching needs differently.
Popyrin acknowledged that while Ferreira had encouraged Draper to adopt a more aggressive playing style, he tailored his coaching strategy to suit Popyrin’s game. Ferreira’s focus has been on helping Popyrin refine his techniques, particularly his backhand, which he considers his weaker side. The two worked on adjusting the grip on Popyrin’s backhand, aiming for a more effective execution of strokes.
Having already achieved a career high by winning a Masters 1000 event in Canada last summer and defeating top player Novak Djokovic at the US Open, Popyrin expressed hope of maintaining a consistent performance level. He understands that consistency is crucial for his success, especially as he prepares to face Nuno Borges, who had previously bested him in their only match.
Popyrin’s confidence shines as he states that on his best day, he feels capable of competing with anyone. He is now focused on maintaining an even performance across matches, which he believes will be key to advancing in the tournament and climbing the rankings.
This progress is not just a testament to Popyrin’s dedication but also reflects the positive impact that tailored coaching can have on a player’s development. With his recent accomplishments and determination, Popyrin’s journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges.