Alexei Popyrin did not have a good 2022. The Australian started the year as the world No 61 and ended it ranked 120th, knocked out in the opening round of every grand slam bar a second-round appearance at the US Open. His 2023 is already vastly improved, for on Thursday Popyrin pulled off one of the upsets of the Australian Open, defeating the eighth seed, Taylor Fritz, in five thrilling sets.
On a day of boilovers, including Casper Ruud’s shock exit at the hands of Jenson Brooksby, the 23-year-old ensured the same fate for Fritz, losing the first set before an almighty fightback to overcome the American world No 9 6-7 (4), 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-2.
