“Surprising Outcome Leaves Door Wide Open for Alexei Popyrin in Paris as Emerging Australian Overcomes Bathroom Mishap”

Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin is setting his sights on a significant run at Roland-Garros following the surprising departure of seventh seed Casper Ruud, which has created an opening in his draw.

Popyrin, seeded 25th in Paris, reached the third round of the French Open for the first time on Thursday (AEST), achieving a comprehensive victory over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

Next, Popyrin will face Nuno Borges, who capitalised on Ruud’s troubling knee injury.

Borges secured his place in the next round after overcoming Ruud with scores of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0, as the Norwegian player struggled with an injury that has plagued him throughout the clay court season.

While Ruud’s loss is disappointing for him, it represents a significant opportunity for Popyrin.

The talented Danish player is a two-time Roland-Garros finalist and has reached the semi-finals in Paris for the last three years.

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Ruud had also recently won the Madrid Open just this month.

“I’m really pumped,” Popyrin said in an interview with Duncan McKenzie-McHarg for Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.

“I believe that was probably the most solid match I’ve played all year. It’s the level I wish to maintain moving forward and the consistency I aim to achieve every day. I’m thrilled with how I performed overall today.”

Popyrin’s game included 37 winners, eight aces, and he clinched 75 per cent of his first serve points.

With a height of 197 cm, his physical presence is a significant advantage, but his improved movement on the court has been equally impressive, as Tabilo found it difficult to create angles against him on Court 6.

While his new coach Wayne Ferreira has garnered attention, the 25-year-old also expressed gratitude to fitness trainer Evan Jenkins for facilitating crucial improvements.

“I’ve always believed I could move well, but since bringing on my fitness coach Evan in Madrid last year, we’ve focused on strengthening my muscles so I can move quicker and adjust my positions more effectively,” Popyrin explained.

“That’s a major factor for me, and I want to continue playing this way—efficiently moving, reaching the ball, and making it challenging for my opponents.

“Today was a great exhibition of my movement, and I aim to keep that consistency every match.”

Everything went perfectly for Popyrin in the end, but it was a close call at one point.

McKenzie-McHarg had to question a slightly embarrassed Popyrin regarding a bathroom mishap during the third set.

“No, honestly, it was my oversight. I didn’t go at the end of the second set,” he admitted.

“I always know that after the second set I need to go, but I was too lazy to make the trip, and I regretted it. At 2-1, my stomach started hurting badly, and I thought, ‘I need to go now.’

“I tried to rush without notice, but the door was locked. I ended up waiting for another two games before I could go, and fortunately, the rain came to delay things a bit, so I managed to make it in time.

“I should have just gone after the second set. I’ll remember this for next time.”

Borges, currently ranked 41st, makes history as the first Portuguese man to reach the third round of the French Open.

“He’s a really tricky opponent. His flat backhand can create problems for many players, so it’s going to be a tough match,” Popyrin warned reporters.

“I’ve always had that confidence that on my best day, I can compete with anyone. But for me, consistency is key. That’s what I’ve struggled with previously.

“When I face higher-ranked players, I often elevate my game and give it a solid chance, but the goal is to maintain that level even against lower-ranked opponents.”

Popyrin is among four Australians remaining in the singles draw, joined by Alex de Minaur, Adam Walton, and Daria Kasatkina.

Ajla Tomljanovic suffered a defeat against world No. 4 Jasmine Paolini from Italy, with a score of 6-3, 6-3, on Thursday (AEST).