Popyrin stuns Rublev to claim National Bank Open Title

QUEBEC, Canada: In a career-defining moment, Alexei Popyrin captured the biggest title of his career by defeating fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 in the championship match of the National Bank Open on Monday in Montreal. The 25-year-old Australian, ranked 62nd in the world at the start of the tournament, claimed his third singles title and his first in a prestigious Masters 1000 event.

Popyrin’s incredible run to the title was highlighted by three victories over top-10 players, showcasing his rising stature on the ATP Tour. After the match, an emotional Popyrin reflected on the significance of the victory: “It means the world, for all the hard work I’ve put in over the years, all the sacrifices I have made. Not just me, but my family, my girlfriend, my team, everybody around me. They have sacrificed their whole lives for me and for me to win this for them is just amazing.”

With this triumph, Popyrin’s ranking will soar to No. 30, just shy of his career-best No. 23, which he achieved earlier this year after upsetting Rublev in Monte Carlo.(Reuters)