Alexei Popyrin can hardly believe that a so-called once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has presented itself twice as he prepares for his match against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.
And if Popyrin manages to surprise the Serb, he could face his compatriot Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals.
That still seems a long way off, as seven-time champion Djokovic will pose a formidable obstacle in the third round on Sunday (AEST).
That’s because the ninth-seeded De Minaur is the big favourite to beat former French No. 1 Lucas Pouille, ranked world No. 212, in another clash, which would take him into the last 16.
Popyrin played with ‘Demon’ when they were young, but has seen his friend grow into a top 10 player. He still dreams of the big breakthrough he thinks he can achieve with his talent and dedication.
“I think what Alex does motivates every Australian,” Popyrin said.
“For me it’s extra motivation to see him in the top 10 and competing for the Grand Slams and Masters titles. He’s what we’re all aiming for, his level, his career, it’s unbelievable.
“And he definitely has more to offer. ‘But I feel like I have the game to play at that level as well.’
Australian tennis star Alexei Popyrin is brimming with confidence as he prepares to face Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon
World number 47, seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic, has been called ‘just a player’
And what a stage to prove it. Popyrin was given his first Centre Court outing, a privilege he and coach Neville Godwin, who have played a dozen Wimbledons between them, have never had before.
For the 24-year-old Popyrin, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against Djokovic on the Rod Laver Arena during the Australian Open in January. However, he left frustrated after he had set points and led 2-1, but eventually lost in four sets.
But now another dream opportunity has arisen: the chance to let the big man play in midfield. He is determined to make this visit a success, especially since there are quite a few question marks hanging over Djokovic’s sharpness after his recent knee surgery.
While still assuming that ‘Djokovic would be a completely different beast at Wimbledon’ and not wanting to make any wild predictions, the world number 47 declared: ‘I know I can do it.
“In Australia I think I gave a really good account of myself. I really believe I would have won that match if I had won that second set, I feel like I was in the driver’s seat. I felt super, super comfortable there. And I enjoyed every moment of it.
“He’s a super solid player. But I do think he gives you chances every now and then. Not a lot, but when he gets them, you have to take them. Because if you don’t get them, he makes you pay.”
Asked if not winning had affected him, Popyrin shrugged: “Definitely. I came off the court quite frustrated with myself for not getting those break points.”
He will certainly not be overwhelmed by the event, having previously played against Djokovic on the Rod Laver Arena and Rafael Nadal on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros.
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic called Australian Alexei Popyrin a ‘super solid player’
“If you had asked me two or three years ago, I would probably have said that I couldn’t sleep at night thinking about the game. But now I go there as if it were just a game against a player like any other,” he said.
“And I feel like I’m up to the level to cause trouble.”
Djokovic agrees.
“We had a very good match in Australia. He improved his backhand and his movement a lot. That was maybe not so good in the past. He is becoming a complete player. He is not afraid to finish the point at the net,” Djokovic said.
“When he serves well, it’s very difficult to play. Anyone on the grass who serves as well as he does… I think one of the keys is going to be how good I am at reading his serves and bringing him back into the game, making him work for his points.
‘I expect a tough challenge, of course.’