There will be a new champion at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters after Andrey Rublev’s title defense basically ended right when it started. Rublev lost his opening match on Wednesday, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Alexei Popyrin.
Popyrin was broken only once over the course of one hour and 40 minutes, largely controlling the match from start to finish even though he served at just 50 percent.
Thus continues a rough spring for Rublev, who also lost right away at the Miami Masters (to Tomas Machac) and advanced only one round in Indian Wells (beat Andy Murray, lost to Jiri Lehecka). The Russian is not mathematically guaranteed to fall from No. 6 in the rankings, but a whopping six players still in the Monte-Carlo draw have a chance to pass him this week.
“I enjoyed coming out on center court for the first time,” said Popyrin, whose 2023 clay exploits included a title in Umag. “First tournament on clay of the year and I have good memories from clay last year. I am feeling really comfortable on it and happy to beat a guy who was in form, confident and the defending champ. It was an awesome match.
“The idea was not to give him the same ball. He is probably the best player from the baseline when you give him rhythm, so I tried to change the pace, height and spin and I think it worked really well for me today.”
Next up for Popyrin is an all-Australian showdown against Alex de Minaur, who defeated Tallon Griekspoor 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.
nice one, Pop
Yes, it was a nice win for Pop.
I’m happy I was still asleep.
Popyrin has top 10 ability. With the right people around him he could go a long way.
bold