Holder Rublev routed by Aussie Popyrin

Monte Carlo Masters champion Andrey Rublev was bundled out -6-4, 6-4 by Aussie outsider Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday in a second-round shock on the clay.

The 46th-ranked winner, Roland Garros junior champion seven years ago, credited his experience in the previous round with giving him confidence for his knockout of the sixth seed in just under an hour and three-quarters.

“I felt confident on the clay after already playing a match,” Popyrin said, “It was the first time on centre  court for me.

“I was able to dictate but came under some pressure when he got a break point as I was serving for it.

“I was trying not to give him the same ball all the time; from the baseline he’s the best hitter when he gets that rhythm.

“I have good memories on clay from last season and this was an awesome match for me.”

Popyrin advanced with 25 winners and 30 unforced errors while Rublev committed 29 errors in defeat.

Main photo:- Alexei Popyrin winning in Monte Carlo by ATPTour.com

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

3 weeks ago

Wimbledon lowers the boom on human linecalling

Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…

3 weeks ago

Djokovic rolls Cobolli as Shanghai fights to restore order

Novak Djokovic returned to action after waiting tow days to play as the rain-hit Shanghai…

4 weeks ago

Innocent umpiring error screws Stan in Shanghai

Stan Wawrinka may have been inadvertently short-changed during Monday's third-round loss at the Shanghai Masters…

4 weeks ago

Sinner sweeps Fritz to win US Open

Jannik Sinner schooled Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to win his second Grand Slam title…

2 months ago

Sabalenka wins Open title for Grand Slam hat-trick

Aryana Sabalenka completed a Grand Slam title hat-trick on Saturday as she fought from 5-3…

2 months ago