Popyrin enjoying new status as seed in Shanghai

Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, seeded No.20 at the Shanghai Masters, is enjoying his new status as a seeded player at the year’s penultimate Masters 1000 event.

It is the first time the 25-year-old has been seeded at a Masters event since 2021, with his new rank of No.24 in the world coming off the back of a strong North American hardcourt swing where he won the Montreal Masters and defeated Novak Djokovic at the US Open.

“It’s nice to have a number next to your name,” Popyrin shared after he began his Shanghai campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, racing past former world No.27 Miomir Kecmanovic in one hour to book his spot in the third round.

“It feels different because, you know, I got a bye first round, so I start a little bit later.

“It’s the first time it’s happened to me in a tournament since 2021, so it’s been a while, but it’s a nice feeling.

“It’s a nice feeling to have, and it obviously gives you a little bit of confidence.”

Popyrin’s confidence was certainly on display in his opening match, with the Aussie striking 13 aces and hitting 32 winners overall in his 6-3, 6-2 victory over Kecmanovic.

“I was just really solid, focused on what I had to do, served well, and when I had chances in the return games I capitalised on them,” reflected Popyrin of the match.

“I think that’s what I’ve been doing really well the last couple months.

“Kind of focusing on my service games, holding them quite, you know, trying to hold them comfortably, and then trying to put pressure on the returns.

“That’s what I was doing.”

Popyrin’s strong performance in his first match has led to tennis bookmakers slightly improving his outright betting odds at the Shanghai Masters.

The Australian now pays $126 to win the title, an improvement from $151 pre-tournament, but still very long odds for someone who beat five consecutive top 20 players to win a Masters 1000 title just two months ago.

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