Alexei Popyrin beats Andrey Rublev to be crowned champion of Canadian Open

Alexei Popyrin, aged 25, achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by winning the championship match of the National Bank Open with a score of 6-2, 6-4 against fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev, 26, on Monday in Montreal.

Popyrin, an Australian who entered the tournament ranked 62nd globally, secured the third singles title of his career, marking his first victory in a Masters 1000 event, which are considered just below Grand Slam tournaments.

His impressive journey to the Montreal title included three victories over top-10 ranked players.

"This victory means everything to me, reflecting all the hard work and sacrifices I have made over the years," Popyrin stated.

"It is not just my achievement; my family, my girlfriend, and my team have all dedicated their lives to support me. Winning this title for them is truly incredible."

This victory will elevate Popyrin's ranking to 30, just behind his career-high of 23, which he attained after defeating Rublev in the third round at Monte Carlo in April.

Historically, only three players have won Masters 1000 tournaments while ranked lower than 62: Croatia's Borna Coric (ranked 152 at Cincinnati in 2022), Spain's Roberto Carretero (ranked 143 at Hamburg in 1996), and Sweden's Mikael Pernfors (ranked 95 at Montreal in 1993).

This triumph also marks the end of a long period without an Australian victory in Masters 1000 tournaments, with Lleyton Hewitt being the last to win at Indian Wells in 2003.

Popyrin's powerful serve played a crucial role in his victory over Rublev. He recorded 10 aces, won 84 percent of his first-serve points (compared to Rublev's 63 percent), and successfully saved five of the six break points he encountered.

"I concentrated on my serving strategy," Popyrin remarked, as reported by AFP.

"I missed my first serve on my first two match points, but on the third, I executed my plan effectively. I struck a solid forehand to secure the win."

Tenth-seeded Tommy Paul from the United States was eliminated in the opening round at Mason, Ohio, after failing to capitalize on three match points, ultimately losing to Italy's Flavio Cobolli with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.

Paul was ahead 5-4 in the final set and had three chances to secure victory while serving against Cobolli. Nevertheless, Cobolli managed to recover, winning that game and subsequently gaining a 6-5 advantage by converting his fourth break point in the following game before successfully serving to conclude the match.

Just two weeks prior, Cobolli reached the final of the tournament held in Washington.

In the only other match of the day, Russia's Karen Khachanov decisively defeated Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo with a score of 6-0, 6-3.