In the sweltering midday heat on Court 14 at Roland Garros, Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin clinched a hard-fought victory over Portugal’s Nuno Borges, prevailing 6-4, 7-6 (13-11), 7-6 (7-5) to reach the fourth round of the French Open. In doing so, Popyrin has matched his best Grand Slam performance, joining the exclusive ranks of his fellow countrymen who have made it this far on the Parisian clay since the millennium. Moreover, he now stands alone as the last Australian man remaining in the singles draw, after compatriot Alex de Minaur suffered a stunning second-round upset.
Below, we delve into Popyrin’s remarkable run, analyze his performance against Borges, assess the significance of his achievement for Australian tennis, and preview his upcoming fourth-round clash with American Tommy Paul.
From Unexpected Contender to Australia’s Torchbear
When the 2025 French Open began two weeks ago, few observers predicted that the 25-year-old Popyrin—seeded 25th—would be the one carrying Australia’s hopes into the middle weekend of the tournament. Early in the week, Alex de Minaur, Australia’s world No. 8 and ninth seed, was widely expected to continue his consistent Grand Slam form and breeze into the final 16. Instead, de Minaur suffered a shocking second-round defeat to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, relinquishing a two-set lead on Court 7 and leaving Australia with no higher-ranked representative.
READ MORE: Alex de Minaur Says There’s ‘Too Much Tennis’ After Shock French Open Exit
Popyrin, by contrast, has maneuvered through the draw without dropping a set, displaying a combination of power serving, controlled aggression from the baseline, and steely mental resolve. His straight-sets victories over Botic van de Zandschulp (6-2, 6-4, 6-3) in round one and lucky loser Mikael Ymer (6-3, 6-4, 6-3) in round two hinted at his dangerous form, but his third-round encounter with Borges provided the most compelling evidence that Popyrin is primed for a deep run in Paris.
“We all expected Demon [de Minaur] to be in the fourth round,” Popyrin admitted afterward, referencing de Minaur’s high consistency. “I don’t think I could have thought that—Alex is probably the most consistent player on tour—but that’s the case now. I’m only focusing on myself. I want to keep going as far as I can—that’s all I’m thinking.”
Having ousted his compatriot’s hopes and established himself as Australia’s primary contender, Popyrin must now navigate a quarter of the draw that includes 12th seed Tommy Paul, who dispatched Russia’s Karen Khachanov in a five-set thriller earlier in the day.
Match Recap: Popyrin vs. Borges – A Tale of Serves and Nerve
On paper, Nuno Borges—a savvy clay-court competitor ranked 62nd in the world—posed a formidable challenge. The 27-year-old Portuguese player had upset 15th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the second round, showcasing deft drop-shots and a heavy topspin game ideally suited to the sloping red dirt of Roland Garros. Yet Popyrin had quietly amassed momentum, and under a blazing Parisian sun, he harnessed his serve—93 aces over his first three matches—and acute focus to master Borges.
First Set: Popyrin Asserts Early Control
From the opening point, Popyrin held serve with authority, peppering the deuce court with angled backhand winners and hammering forehands into Borges’s backhand corner. Borges, by contrast, struggled to fend off the Australian’s penetrating baseline strikes. At 4-4, Popyrin landed a blistering serve out wide at 215 km/h, drawing a weak reply and converting the break on the next opportunity. He served out the set at 6-4, dropping just three points behind his first delivery overall.
“My serve was in formidable nick,” Popyrin reflected. “Dropping only three points in the opening set really sets the tone, especially in this heat. It was a matter of holding steady and staying aggressive.”
Second Set: A Roller-Coaster Tiebreak
The second set proved more arduous. Both men held serve to 5-5, with Borges adopting a more aggressive stance—stepping inside the baseline to take Popyrin’s second serve and forcing extended rallies. At 5-6, Popyrin, serving for the set, committed three uncharacteristic errors, including a double fault and a mishit forehand on break point, handing Borges a reprieve and pushing the contest into a tense tiebreaker.
In the 13-11 tiebreak, Popyrin survived two set points at 6-7 and then at 7-8, scrambling to produce a series of explosive forehand crosscourt winners. He finally captured the set with an unreturnable ace down the “T,” spurring a juggernaut of applause from the multitude crammed into the small, single-sided Court 14.
“It was really important,” Popyrin said of that escape. “One set all is a completely different ballgame. I managed to dig deep when it mattered, saved those couple of set points, and stayed composed. That’s what clay is about—mental battles as much as physical ones.”
Third Set: Nerve-Racking Conclusion
The final set unfolded in similar fashion. Popyrin maintained his unbroken serve until 4-5, when Borges finally wrested a break, sending the set into yet another tiebreak at 6-6. At this juncture, both players displayed signs of fatigue; long rallies stretched beyond 15 strokes, each point a test of solvent endurance under relentless 28 °C heat.
The tiebreaker swung back and forth. Borges led 4-1 on serve but dropped the next three points to a barrage of Popyrin forehands. Popyrin then saved two more mini-break opportunities at 4-5 and 5-6, demonstrating uncanny timing on his groundstrokes. Finally, at 7-5 in the breaker, he rose to his feet and unleashed a crosscourt backhand winner, prompting a muted roar of appreciation from spectators who had risked sunburn and sleep deprivation alike.
“The third set was more a mental battle than a physical battle,” Popyrin observed. “I fought to hold serve under pressure, and on his serve I had a couple of chances near the end. My belief was unwavering—momentum shifts in tiebreakers, and today I managed to keep my head.”
Australia’s Proud Clay-Court Heritage
By reaching the fourth round without surrendering a single set, Popyrin etches his name alongside some of Australia’s finest clay-court performers:
- Mark Philippoussis (2000), who surprised many by powering to the fourth round before falling to Gustavo Kuerten.
- Wayne Arthurs (2001), the big-serving veteran who exploited his slice and net skills to advance.
- Lleyton Hewitt (2000–02, 2004, 2006–07), whose defensive ingenuity and relentless retrieving forged multiple fourth-round and quarterfinal appearances.
- Alex de Minaur (2024), who reached the second week last year before bowing out to eventual finalist Rafael Nadal.
Popyrin now joins this select club, becoming the sixth Australian man since the turn of the century to reach the French Open Round of 16. His performance underscores the tradition of Australians who, despite hailing from a nation better known for hard-court prowess, have found ways to contend on the slow clay of Paris.
“Growing up, I idolized Lleyton Hewitt on clay,” Popyrin said. “He showed us that Australians could dig deep here. I’m honored to stand among those names and hope to add to that legacy.”
Preview: Popyrin vs. Tommy Paul—A High-Stakes Showdown
Up next, Popyrin must negotiate a treacherous fourth-round test against 12th seed Tommy Paul of the United States. Paul, a 27-year-old known for his relentless athleticism and counterpunching tenacity, endured a five-set marathon in the third round—defeating Khachanov 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 3-6, 6-3 after more than four hours on Court 1.
Contrasting Play Styles
- Popyrin (6 ft 6 in, right-handed) bases his game on a punishing serve—recording 13 aces and an 80 percent first-serve win rate against Borges—and a powerful forehand that can disrupt opponents’ rhythm. He complements this offense with surprisingly deft movement for his height, allowing him to exploit the wide angles that clay demands.
- Paul (6 ft 2 in, right-handed) thrives on defensive consistency and wearable pressure. He excels in extended rallies, using his backhand slice to stay low and force opponents into uncomfortable positions. His court coverage—especially deep behind the baseline—has stymied many heavy hitters this season.
Paul has proven his clay credentials in recent months, reaching the semifinals of Monte Carlo, the quarterfinals at Madrid, and the fourth round at Rome, in addition to his quarterfinal run at Roland Garros in 2023. Yet the fact that Paul needed four hours and seven minutes to dispatch Khachanov may work in Popyrin’s favor, as physical fatigue often tips five-set matches in favor of fresher competitors.
“Last year, Popyrin played unbelievable tennis in Canada,” Paul said of his opponent’s form. “He can take the racquet out of your hand sometimes with that serve. I’m expecting a tough battle. I’ll try to use the clay to my advantage and slow things down a bit.”
Key Matchup: Serve vs. Return
Madison coordinate charts reveal that Popyrin’s first-serve points average four seconds on clay—extraordinarily brief for the slower surface—compared to Paul’s first-serve points, which average nearly five seconds. If Popyrin maintains his first-serve win percentage in the low 80s, Paul must rely on aggressive second-serve returns and forcing extended baseline exchanges to generate break opportunities. Conversely, Paul’s prowess at neutralizing power with his backhand slice and crafting angle-change dropshots could draw errors from Popyrin’s sometimes flat-hitting groundstrokes.
Overall, the match shapes up as a classic contrast: Popyrin’s all-court aggression versus Paul’s defensive grit. Given the margin by which Popyrin downed Borges without dropping a set—and saved multiple set points in two tie-breakers—he enters the contest with buoyant confidence. Still, Paul’s superior experience in extended Parisian battles may prove pivotal if the match slides toward a deciding fifth set.
The Bigger Picture: Australian Tennis on the Rise
In 2025, Australian men’s tennis finds itself in an enviable position. After years of lamenting the “generational gap” following Lleyton Hewitt’s 2007 era, the nation now boasts multiple contenders:
- Alex de Minaur, ranked inside the top 10 and noted for his athletic retrieving and mental toughness.
- Jordan Thompson, who finally claimed his maiden Grand Slam match win this year after multiple main-draw appearances.
- James Duckworth, a veteran journeyman whose gritty baseline play carried him into the Wimbledon third round.
- Alexei Popyrin, whose breakthrough into the fourth round here suggests his clay prowess may complement his burgeoning hard-court achievements (an ATP title in Chengdu and notable runs at the U.S. and Australian Opens).
Moreover, the success of women’s players such as Ajla Tomljanović and Daria Kasatkina bolsters Australia’s overall tennis profile. On the junior circuit, champions like Fern Halpenny and Max Purcell indicate a healthy pipeline of talent.
“There’s a strong ecosystem in Australian tennis right now,” says former Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter. “We’ve got a generation of athletes who’ve learned from de Minaur’s consistency, and now you see Popyrin applying that mental toughness on clay. The days of being considered mere hard-court specialists are over—that versatility is our future.”
Historical Comparisons: Popyrin in the All-Time Aussie Context
Popyrin’s advance into the fourth round draws parallels with several iconic Australian performances at Roland Garros:
- Mark Philippoussis (2000): The “Scud” surprised many by reaching the Round of 16, fueling a resurgence of Aussie optimism on clay.
- Wayne Arthurs (2001): Known primarily for his serve-and-volley craft, he stunned higher seeds to crack the second week.
- Lleyton Hewitt (2000–02, 2004, 2006–07): Hewitt’s successes on clay—particularly his 2001 quarterfinal run—proved that his tenacious retrieving and biting backhand could translate to slower courts.
- Alex de Minaur (2024): Last year’s final 16 appearance was characterized by nerveless defense and tactical variety, before succumbing in a five-setter to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
Popyrin’s run echoes these achievements but also reflects a new stylistic wave in Australian tennis: blending power from the base with deft tactical ingenuity. In an era when heavy-hitting baseline exchanges dominate, Popyrin’s ability to mix serve-and-volley forays with pinpoint drop-shots marks him as a throwback yet also a modern archetype.
Personal Reflections: Popyrin’s Clay-Court Epiphany
Popyrin’s journey to Roland Garros Round of 16 has been anything but linear. As a teenager, he was known more for his prowess on the U.S. hard-court circuit, winning the 2018 Junior Australian Open before transitioning to the professional ranks with mixed results. Early setbacks—including a season-ending hip injury in 2021—delayed his ascent. But in 2024, after working with a new coach, former ATP pro Goran Ivanisevic, Popyrin refined his clay-court footwork, embraced a heavier topspin game, and honed his slice.
“I always loved clay in practice, but tournament results didn’t show it until last year,” Popyrin explained in an on-court interview after defeating Ymer. “Working on slide technique and patience—learning to construct points instead of blasting winners—has changed everything. On clay, patience becomes your weapon.”
Ivanisevic has likened Popyrin to a young Milos Raonic for his serve, but appreciates his evolving variety. “Alexei is the only player I know who can serve 230 km/h, then run to the net, slip on the clay, and still finish the volley with a kick serve. He’s a rare talent—big weapon but also mentally flexible.”
Maintaining the Momentum: Physical and Mental Considerations
Popyrin’s quarterfinal prospects hinge not only on tennis acumen but also on physical resilience. The Parisian sun has reached temperatures in the high 20s Celsius, and clay inevitably slows rallies, taxing legs and lungs. Already, Popyrin’s longest match—a three-hour, one-minute encounter with Borges—offers a preview of the physical demands to come, especially if he extends Friday’s drama into another epic against Paul.
His trainers have implemented a rigorous recovery regimen: post-match Gatorade, magnesium supplements, cryotherapy sessions, and midday ice-bath breaks. On court this week, Popyrin has strategically reduced unforced errors by staying closer to mid-court, avoiding deep defensive tracking that often saps energy.
“The key is to win quick on serve, shorten points when possible, and pick smart rally moments,” he explained. “Physically, the body can handle three-hour matches if you manage recovery properly. Roller massages, compression boots, and early nights—those things matter.”
Mental fortitude remains equally critical. In each of his three matches, Popyrin faced moments of jeopardy—saving set points in two tiebreaks—yet never allowed self-doubt to creep in. Instead, he channeled tournament-long confidence.
“I visualize the ball going past,” he said of his inner routine. “When I face break point or set point, I imagine the ball in the net cord or just clearing the baseline. If your body tenses, you lose. So I calm down, go to my happy place, and let my feet do their job.”
Forecast: Can Popyrin Reach the Quarterfinals?
On paper, both Popyrin and Paul are on comparative runs, yet their paths differ. Paul’s five-set battles could leave him slightly drained, but also battle-hardened. Popyrin’s three-set sweep—though lengthy—affords him the chance to recover more quickly.
Statistical edge: Popyrin’s first-serve win rate (80 percent) outstrips Paul’s (76 percent), and his faster serve speeds (averaging 217 km/h) should yield free points. Conversely, Paul’s break-point conversion rate on clay this season (46 percent) outshines Popyrin’s (39 percent), owing to Paul’s superior return depth and two-handed backhand stability.
Tactical matchups: If Paul can drag Popyrin into extended rallies—using his drop-shot and backhand slice to draw errors—he may expose Popyrin’s occasional impatience. Yet the French wind conditions on Court 12, forecast at 12 km/h breezes swirling crosscourt, could marginally aid Popyrin’s kick serve and hamper Paul’s slice.
Psychological factors: Popyrin’s momentum from a third consecutive straight-sets victory should bolster confidence, while Paul’s earlier five-setter potentially heightens his mental toughness. One wild card: Popyrin will receive emotional lift from the home-nation supporters—if only a few hundred—who will cheer Australia’s lone man still vying for a spot in the quarterfinals.
In their sole previous meeting, at Indian Wells 2024, Paul edged Popyrin 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-5 on hard courts. This clay challenge represents new territory. Should Popyrin prevail, he will join Federer (2001), Lleyton Hewitt (2001), and Patrick Rafter (2002) as the only men to advance from a first-time singles meeting with Paul on tour—but on clay, where Paul’s movement is often at his best.
The Road Ahead: Australia’s Quarterfinal Hopes
If Popyrin overcomes Paul, he will face either 24th seed Sebastian Korda or unseeded Spaniard Bernabé Zapata Miralles in the quarterfinals—matches that promise contrasting styles and further drama. Korda’s booming flat forehand and forecourt volleying would test Popyrin’s backhand in traffic, while Zapata’s dogged retrieving and top-spin dropshot arsenal could drag the Australian into gruelling shoulder-strained rallies.
For Australian fans, Popyrin’s fourth-round advancement offers a rare chance to see an Australian man in a Grand Slam quarterfinal—an occasion not seen since Nick Kyrgios reached Wimbledon’s quarters in 2014. Kyrgios, now on hiatus, sent a supportive message via social media:
“Hats off to Popyrin—carrying the flag in Paris! We need someone to show that Aussie balls and Aussie clay still mix. Good luck, kid!”
That endorsement underscores the broader significance: an Australian man making waves on clay serves as inspiration to juniors and enthusiasts in a nation where hard courts predominate. If Popyrin breaks through to the quarterfinals or beyond, he will reinforce the depth of Australian men’s tennis—a rebirth not seen since the Davis Cup–winning teams of 1999–2003.
Conclusion: A Defining Week for Alexei Popyrin
As the sun sets over the clay-court complex in Paris, Alexei Popyrin stands on the brink of tennis lore. He has already orchestrated a statement-making run: three straight-set victories, including salvage of multiple set points against Borges, culminating in his standing as Australia’s sole remaining man. Now, he will battle Tommy Paul—an opponent whose journey at Roland Garros has been an epic in its own right.
Regardless of the outcome, Popyrin’s performance thus far demonstrates not only his individual growth but also the resurgence of Australian men’s tennis. Whether he validates his burgeoning clay-court prowess by reaching his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal or returns humbly with a fourth-round finish, Popyrin has already provided a moment of national pride, reminding fans that on the red dirt of Roland Garros, Aussie grit, power, and mental fortitude can still writhe their way into the deepest rounds.
Match Details:
- Fourth Round Opponent: Tommy Paul (USA), 12th seed
- Scheduled Date/Time: Monday, 2 June 2025; not before 2 pm local time on Court 12
- Broadcast Info: Live coverage on ESPN (US), Eurosport (UK/AUS), and the Tennis Channel (Canada)
As the 2025 French Open narrative continues to unfold, all eyes will remain fixed on Popyrin—a player who, just days ago, could scarcely have believed he’d bear Australia’s banner so deep into the second week. Now, with history and national expectation on his shoulders, he will step onto Court 12 determined to prove that this run is no fluke but the opening chapter of a clay-court legacy.
