Popyrin let out a big roar after sealing his victory in front of 250 fans who were allowed to enter the tournament after passing COVID-19 tests.
The Australian Alexei Popyrin reacts after winning the Singapore Open semi-final against the Croatian Marin Cilic. AFP
Singapore: The Australian Alexei Popyrin prevailed against Marin Cilic at the Singapore Tennis Open on Saturday and prevailed 7: 6 (5), 7: 6 (2) against the Croat to win his first ATP tour -Finals.
Popyrin let out a big roar after sealing his victory in front of 250 fans who were allowed to compete in the tournament after passing COVID-19 tests.
« I’ve been my whole life worked on reaching an ATP final and tomorrow I’m finally in one. It’s definitely an amazing feeling, but I still have a game to go and I want to focus on it, « said the world number 114. </ After Popyrin had led the second set to a draw, he took a 5-0 lead with his huge serves, which was no less aided by two casual mistakes by Cilic.
The former number three in the world made it to score a setback on 2-5 but another ace from Popy rin brought the advantage back to the Australian and gave him four match points.
After a strong serve followed by a forehand winner, Popyrin finally won in just under two hours.
« Only 250 fans are allowed, but they were loud and it felt like the stadium was full. There were some Aussies I heard about the accent and they were yelling, ‘Come on Popy’. It’s always an amazing feeling when you’re not playing in your home country, « said Popyrin.
Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan sent Radu Albot from Moldova in the second semi-final game of the day with a 2: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4 -Win his fourth ATP final, where he will face Popyrin.
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