- Alexei Popyrin is craving balance in his life
- Had a reset after Wimbledon disappointment
- Plays Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori at the US Open
Aussie tennis star Alexei Popyrin has revealed his new focus off the court as he looks to avoid tour burnout – Ed Sheeran’s music and reading one novel a week.
It comes as the world number 37 prepares for his first round match against Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori at the US Open on August 26.
Popyrin, 26, knew he needed a different approach following his shock defeat to world number 461 Arthur Fery in the first round of Wimbledon.
‘I was numb, I didn’t feel sad. I didn’t feel happy,’ he told ABC Sport.
‘I just felt kind of like yeah, this is what happens (defeat).
‘I’ve never had that feeling before in my career. ‘Burnout is a big thing on the tour, so we [Popyrin’s team] had to rectify it. And we did.’
Aussie tennis star Alexei Popyrin has revealed his new focus off the court as he looks to avoid tour burnout – Ed Sheeran’s music and reading one book a week
Popyrin needed a different approach after his shock defeat to world number 461 Arthur Fery in the first round of Wimbledon – and Ed Sheeran’s music has been part of the process
A recent holiday to Bermuda with his fiancée Amy saw Popyrin rediscover his love of books.
His favourite genres are science fiction and fantasy – but Popyrin also read the masterpiece 1984 by George Orwell.
And’s Sheeran music is just as important.
Popyrin attended one of the singer’s recent concerts in England, with his favourite song You Need Me, I Don’t Need You.
And if Popyrin outclasses Ruusuvuori – as is widely expected – world number one Jannik Sinner potentially awaits in the second round at Flushing Meadows.
Not that the Sydney-raised star is worried.
Popyrin – who beat Novak Djokovic in the third round at the US Open last year – is convinced he is now a better player.
Elsewhere, fellow Aussie and eighth seed Alex de Minaur will face compatriot Chris O’Connell in New York – and ‘Demon’ knows he is in for a battle.
‘I’m not expecting anything to be easy,’ he told reporters.
‘Chris is a very tricky opponent because he’s got a lot of different weapons and has quite a unique playing style.’
