Aussie Tennis Stars Shine on US Open Day One: Popyrin and Joint Advance as Birrell Bows Out
Day one of the US Open has set the stage for an exciting fortnight of tennis, with Australian players making a notable impact. Alexei Popyrin and Maya Joint were the standout performers for Australia, advancing to the second round, while Kimberly Birrell saw her campaign come to an end.
Alexei Popyrin began his campaign with a commanding performance, dispatching Kwon Soon-woo in straight sets. The match, which lasted just over two hours, saw Popyrin win 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. With 14 aces and six breaks of serve, the Australian demonstrated his prowess on the court. This victory is especially significant as Popyrin is seeded for the first time at a Grand Slam, making his way towards a potential clash with defending champion Novak Djokovic. Popyrin remains focused, expressing his determination to take it one match at a time, despite the tantalizing prospect of facing Djokovic in the third round.
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Popyrin's next challenge will come against either unseeded Spaniard Pedro Martinez or Polish qualifier Maks Kasnikowski on Thursday (AEST). His goal is clear: to advance further and perhaps set up that high-profile encounter with Djokovic. Despite the potential distraction, Popyrin remains resolute, emphasizing his focus on each match individually rather than the possibility of facing the Serbian great.
Joining Popyrin in the second round is 18-year-old Maya Joint, who made an impressive debut in the Grand Slam main draw. Joint, who is seeded 28th, overcame experienced German Laura Siegemund 6-4, 7-5. The match was a rollercoaster, with Joint initially leading 5-0 in the second set before experiencing some nerves. However, she steadied herself and clinched the win on her fourth match point with a decisive backhand volley. Joint's performance has not only secured her a place in the next round but also significantly boosted her earnings, with at least $130,000 ($A192,000) in prize money already in her pocket.
Meanwhile, Kimberly Birrell's US Open journey ended with a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Donna Vekic, the 24th seed and Paris Olympics silver medalist. Despite her early exit, Birrell will walk away with a hefty $100,000 ($A147,575), the highest prize ever awarded to a first-round loser at a major tournament.
Other Australians in action included Ajla Tomljanovic, who defeated Ann Li 6-4, 6-4, and qualifiers like Rinky Hijikata and Adam Walton, who were scheduled to play later in the day. Hijikata, who made a notable run last year, faced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, while Walton went up against Alexandre Muller. Priscilla Hon also had a major task ahead, taking on world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the feature night match.
The US Open is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament, with Australia's contingent making a strong start. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Popyrin and Joint to see how far they can advance, while other Aussies continue their quest for success on the grand stage of Flushing Meadows.
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