Aussie tennis star Alexei Popyrin has outlined his ambitious strategy to climb back into the world's elite top 20 rankings, but his preparations for the upcoming Australian Open took a fascinating detour in the Middle East.
From Court Rivals to Coaching Pies in Dubai
Just six weeks out from his home Grand Slam, Popyrin put his own training on hold for a unique coaching role. The world No. 54 traded secrets with Collingwood Magpies stars during a special session at the luxurious Atlantis the Royal resort in Dubai.
Popyrin shared the court with AFL players Isaac Quaynor and the Daicos brothers, Nick and Josh, for a light-hearted doubles clash. The cross-code meeting provided a rare opportunity for athletes from different sports to exchange insights.
"It's cool to just pick someone else's brain," Quaynor told 7NEWS. "Even just his upbringing, how much he's moved around the world. And he now lives in Dubai. I think it's super, super interesting."
Surprise Skills and a Shared Weakness
Popyrin, who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 19 in August this year, was genuinely impressed by the footballers' abilities with a racquet in hand.
"I was actually really surprised at how well they hit the ball," Popyrin admitted. "All of them have good forehands. Maybe the backhand needs a little bit of work."
That critique, however, is one the 24-year-old Australian is also applying to his own game. As he launches an intense pre-season campaign this week, improving his backhand is a key technical focus.
"I think it's a well-known fact that my backhand needs a bit of work, so we're getting there, and we're going to try and change some things on the backhand," he revealed. "I'm also changing a few equipment things also."
Overcoming Injury and Davis Cup Heartbreak
Popyrin's ranking slide from the top 20 to his current position is partly due to a frustrating back injury that sidelined him for two months late in the season. The physical setback also had a significant emotional cost, forcing him to withdraw from the home Davis Cup tie in Sydney.
"That was probably the most painful thing to happen to me this year," Popyrin confessed. "I think playing for your country, there's no bigger honour than that."
Despite the setback, his brief stint as a coach for Collingwood's finest appears to have been a refreshing mental reset. With his sights firmly set on a deep run at Melbourne Park, Popyrin is now channeling all his energy into a rigorous training block, determined to fix his weaknesses and make his move back towards the summit of the sport.
