* Matt Trollope is a journalist for Tennis Australia, which has contributed this piece
Novak Djokovic has proved an insurmountable hurdle for Alexei Popyrin on the grand slams this yr.
Djokovic stopped Popyrin in 4 units within the second spherical of the Australian Open, after which once more at Wimbledon, once more in 4 units, however this time within the third spherical.
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They meet on the identical stage of the 2024 US Open, the place Djokovic is the defending champion and using the excessive of successful Olympic gold.
The world No.2 has the added motivation of successful an all-time report twenty fifth grand slam singles title this fortnight in New York.
However on Saturday morning (AEST) he’ll encounter a special Popyrin, a participant who lately broke by means of for his first ATP Masters 1000 crown in Montreal, and who’s surging with confidence.
Seeded for the primary time at a significant, is that this the event Popyrin turns the tables on a participant he describes because the Biggest of All Time?
“I had probabilities in each matches and it is only a matter of taking these probabilities and taking part in good on the large factors,” mentioned Popyrin, who received his second spherical conflict with Spaniard Pedro Martinez Portero 6-2 6-4 6-0 in sweltering situations.
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“That is what he did nicely these two matches [at the Australian Open and Wimbledon] and what I did not do too nicely. If I can try this, then who is aware of what can occur?
“However I simply wish to hold taking part in the best way I’ve been the final two or three weeks; I believe I really feel actually good on the market.”
Popyrin appeared on this week’s episode of The Sit-Down podcast and mentioned the idea he at present had in his sport. He beat 5 consecutive top-20 gamers – together with three inside the highest 10 – to win the most important title of his profession in Canada.
“The arrogance that I’ve proper now … It is so wonderful to have the ability to play tennis once you’re excessive on confidence,” he mentioned.
However it’ll take a herculean effort to unseat Djokovic, a participant towards whom he trails the head-to-head 0-3, and somebody he admitted he doesn’t get pleasure from taking part in.
“I believe at AO, I had two or three set factors at 5-4 to go two-sets-to-one up, so I believe that one was most likely the closest [compared to Wimbledon], and that one damage extra,” Popyrin mentioned.
“I benefit from the second, I get pleasure from taking part in on an enormous courtroom. I am certain it’s going to be Arthur Ashe, and I’ve by no means been on it, by no means even stepped foot on it, so we’ll see how it’s. I benefit from the large moments and the large courts, I believe you guys know that.
“However he is clearly the best of all time and a very powerful opponent, and I do not suppose anyone enjoys taking part in him.”
Djokovic, who reached the Wimbledon last earlier than his Olympic breakthrough, enters the match below a slight cloud.
He acquired medical therapy after the primary set of his second-round match towards compatriot Laslo Djere, and it took two sapping hours to finish the primary two units, earlier than Djere finally retired early within the third.
Djokovic admitted he’d been struggling on serve thus far in New York.
“However I am high quality. I will discover my means, as I’ve finished many occasions in my profession,” he added.
He did recognise, nevertheless, that Popyrin represented a troublesome project at this level his title defence.
“I am glad to win four-set one other time, do not get me mistaken,” Djokovic mentioned with the trace of a smile.
“However he retains on getting nearer and nearer, knocking on that door.
“He is a very good participant. We at all times knew he has an enormous serve and forehand, however I believe his backhand and his motion improved rather a lot. So he is a lot better defending, and he is extra constant. He does not make as many errors as he used to. Simply total nice enchancment from his aspect.
“He is pumped. He is assured, and he reveals that. He is been taking part in some nice tennis, so no motive for him to not consider that he can put up a fantastic efficiency, and he will go for the win.
“However I do know what to anticipate as nicely. We performed a few occasions. I will, in fact, do my homework, analyse these matches, and see what must be finished.”