Popyrin Wins First Masters 1000 Title

Alexei Popyrin has marked a significant milestone in his career by winning the ATP Montreal Masters, his first Masters 1000 title, with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev. This achievement makes him the first Australian to win at this level since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003. Popyrin, ranked world number 62 before the tournament, defeated five top-20 players, including Rublev, to secure the title. His victory propels him to a career-high ranking of world number 23 and earns him a seeding spot at the upcoming US Open. Popyrin credited his success to the hard work and sacrifices of his support team and family. Rublev, struggling with mental stress and on-court frustrations, could not replicate the form that saw him defeat world number one Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.