Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin has delivered a raw and emotional assessment of his career, conceding things 'can't keep going on like this' after a shattering first-round exit at the Australian Open completed a disastrous summer.
A Crushing Defeat at Melbourne Park
Popyrin's hopes were extinguished in a gruelling five-set battle against France's Alexandre Muller on Monday night. The 26-year-old ultimately fell 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (10-4) in a match where he let multiple winning opportunities slip through his fingers.
After seizing a two-sets-to-one lead, Popyrin was in a commanding position, leading 4-2 in the fourth set and then 5-2 in the subsequent tiebreak. He even served for the match at 5-3 in the decisive fifth set. Despite firing down 40 aces, he could not find the finishing touch, with Muller eventually dominating the 10-point match tiebreak.
A Brutal Downward Spiral
This defeat marks the culmination of a torrid period for the Australian. His Australian Open exit follows first-round losses at both the Brisbane International and Adelaide International, continuing a rough patch that began in late 2025.
Popyrin's world ranking tells a stark story of decline. Having reached a career-high of 19th in August last year, he has since plummeted to 54th. This slide has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including a mental health break, a back injury, and failing to defend his 2024 Canadian Open crown.
An Emotional Admission of Crisis
When asked post-match when he felt his fortunes might change, a visibly distressed Popyrin struggled to contain his emotions. 'I don't know. I don't know,' he said, his voice wavering.
'For me it's really tough to take,' he continued. 'I just think I do a lot. I work a lot. I think about my career a lot. And to have results like this... it's not easy to take, even though I feel like I'm playing well and I feel like I'm doing everything that I want to do.'
Popyrin admitted the relentless nature of his recent failures is forcing a painful introspection. 'Yeah, the results are just not coming, and I guess that's tennis sometimes. But when it keeps happening... maybe I have to look at myself and see and really look deep inside because it can't keep going on like this.'
The physical toll was also evident, with Popyrin receiving treatment for a calf issue during the match, which he attributed to a pre-existing problem. He became tearful discussing his inability to deliver for the supportive home crowd at John Cain Arena.
'I really want to put on a show and really want to win for the crowd. They're there for me, and I can't win. It's not easy,' he lamented.
Prioritising a Ranking Recovery
In a significant decision aimed at halting his slide, Popyrin revealed he will sit out Australia's upcoming Davis Cup qualifying tie against Ecuador next month. His focus will be squarely on rebuilding his ranking and form on the ATP Tour.
'Nothing beats playing for your country,' he acknowledged, 'but at the same time I have to think about my year.' This move underscores the severity of the personal and professional crisis the young star is determined to overcome.
