With the ATP Masters 1000 Series event continuing in Indian Wells, California on Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Alexei Popyrin press conference following his 7-6, 7-5 second round win over Zizou Bergs of Belgium. Here are his answers to my questions.
Q: This was the first time you have faced Bergs on the ATP Tour. Tell me about the challenges of playing someone for the first time.
A: “I have actually known him since I was a junior. I know how he plays. We had a challenger match a couple of years ago. This is not the first time I have seen him. It is always challenging. I knew what his weaknesses were. I knew what his strengths were and I tried to adjust to them. That was purely a mental battle.”
Q: Talk about the importance of the serve, where you had the statistical advantage. You had five aces and one double fault, and Bergs had two aces and four double faults.
A: “My serve is always important to me. That is what I base my game around. I try to be aggressive with my serve and forehand, off those two shots. When my serve is going, as it has been the last couple of weeks, then I feel like I am getting back a little of the rhythm, the placement of the serves, and the mixing of the speeds. For me that is the most important three things. When that is going, I feel like I am a tough opponent for anybody.”
Q: How special is it for you to be competing in a Masters 1000 series level event after winning in Canada last year?
A: “For me it is very important. I bring my best game at the Masters series. I really enjoy playing Masters and grand slam tournaments. They are my favourite tournaments. I love it here in Indian Wells. I played nine holes of golf on Thursday. When I am on the court, I try to lock in.”
Next up for Popyrin in the third round is the 26th seed, Marcos Giron of the United States. Popyrin beat Giron in the second round of Adelaide in 2023, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
