Alexei Popyrin Prepares for Jack Draper Showdown at Queen's Club

In an anticipated second-round match at the Queen's Club, Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin is set to face British star Jack Draper on June 17, 2025. This encounter follows Popyrin's reflective comments on his previous match against Andy Murray, who recorded his last professional win against the Australian at the same venue in the previous year. Popyrin's match against Murray, held at the HSBC Championships, concluded with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in favor of the Scot, marking a poignant moment in both players' careers. Popyrin, who expressed admiration for Murray and acknowledged the significance of playing against a legend in his final competitive match, stated, "I always wanted to play Andy, just not in his last win!"

As Popyrin prepares for his encounter with Draper, he reflects on his growth as a player over the past year. After achieving his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal and advancing to the fourth round of the US Open, he has climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 21 in the PIF ATP Rankings. However, he also acknowledges the challenges he has faced, noting that inconsistency has been a recurring theme in his career. "I have started realizing what I have to do, how I have to train to perform on court," Popyrin explained, emphasizing his desire to improve consistency and minimize errors in his game.

Popyrin's upcoming match against Draper is particularly significant, as it represents another high-stakes encounter against a British opponent in front of a passionate home crowd. "Playing another British player would be a great experience," Popyrin commented, highlighting the unique atmosphere that comes with competing on British grass.

In preparation for the grass season, Popyrin admitted to the difficulties of transitioning from clay, noting that he needed more time to acclimate to the surface. "I need at least 10 days to prepare for the grass and I only had about five before my match in the Netherlands," he remarked. Despite these challenges, he expressed enthusiasm for the grass season, stating, "I love being in England. It reminds me of home. The history, the crowd, the feeling in London. I love it. And Queen's is my favorite tournament on the ATP circuit."

Off the court, Popyrin has found stability in his personal life, recently getting engaged to his partner, Amy. He credited her unwavering support as a crucial factor in his career. "She’s sacrificed so much for me," Popyrin stated.

As he looks ahead to his match against Draper, Popyrin is focused on building momentum and hopes to improve on his previous encounter with the British player earlier this year in Dubai. He remains optimistic about his chances, stating, "A run here would help give clarity to what I am working on. I am feeling good, so let's see." The match promises to be a compelling contest, with Popyrin seeking to assert himself in the ATP rankings against a formidable opponent.