"We'd joke about draw being rigged": Novak Djokovic-conqueror Alexei Popyrin's ex-coach Zeeshan Ali on Aussie finally beating Serb after 3 Slam meets
Australia's Alexei Popyrin is in the midst of his career's best run. The 25-year-old claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal in early August. On Friday, he upset 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 at the US Open to reach the fourth round at a Major for the first time.
While the Australian has been a recognizable name for tennis fans for a few years now, not many are aware of his Indian connection. Zeeshan Ali, India's former Davis Cup player and coach, worked with a very young Popyrin while they were both based in Dubai years ago. Ali, who peaked at No. 126 in the world rankings and later took to coaching after his retirement, worked with the Australian from the time he was nine till the age of around 13.
"Alexei was nine years old when I started working with him in Dubai. I was living in Dubai at that time and had my own academy. Alexei and his younger brother Anthony started training at my academy," Ali told Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview.
Looking back, Ali said that Alexei Popyrin showed a lot of promise and an ability to work hard even back then:
"By the time Alexei was 11, he showed a lot of promise, and I could make out that he was special. He had a tremendous amount of talent and was hard working, even at that age. I started working with him individually for about two and a half to three years from the time he was 11. During that time, he also traveled to Europe to play tournaments."
"Even when Alexei was 12 or 13 years old, he would hit the ball as hard as let's say, a 15-year-old would. He was always skinny, moved well, and had all the skills a young player would need to make it big on the tour. His parents, Alex and Elena, always had a plan in mind and were very focused and determined to give Alexei the best chance and opportunity," he added.
Around the time the Australian was 13, Ali moved back to India, ending their working relationship while Popyrin moved with his family to Europe to enhance his tennis skills. But Ali has kept his eye on his former protege through the years and gave his insight into why he is enjoying a breakout season in 2024.
"He is definitely hitting the ball a lot harder, especially his forehand. He is playing a lot more aggressive and moving a whole lot better. Most importantly, and as his results are indicative, he is a lot stronger mentally, which is helping him go deeper in the draw," Ali said.
Alexei Popyrin's win over Novak Djokovic in four sets on Friday at Arthur Ashe Stadium turned out to be one of the biggest stories coming out of New York in the first week. Ali opined that the Aussie's confidence and self-belief helped him topple the Serb, who had won the pair's meetings at this year's Australian Open and Wimbledon.
"Well, this was the third time he was playing Novak Djokovic in a Grand Slam this year alone. We would joke about the draw being rigged. The difference was that this time around Alexei was coming in after a successful summer leading up to the US Open. Having won a big tournament in Montreal just before the US Open gives a player a lot of confidence and belief," Ali said.
"In the past, Alexei has played close matches with Djokovic but the confidence and belief with which he played this time was very evident," he added.
"It's a huge opportunity for both players to make it to the quarterfinals" - Zeeshan Ali on Frances Tiafoe vs Alexei Popyrin US Open 4R
On Sunday evening, the 28th seed Alexei Popyrin will return to the Arthur Ashe Stadium; this time to face 20th seed Frances Tiafoe, a perennial fan favourite in New York. Ali predicts a tough battle between the two and feels that there is an incredible opportunity for both players to go deeper in the draw.
"Playing Frances Tiafoe is not going to be easy. The crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium will be behind Tiafoe, as he is a local player. Tiafoe won't give Alexei much rhythm and plays fast. The first two sets are very crucial for both players. It's a huge opportunity for both players to make it to the quarterfinals," Ali commented.
It's been more than a decade now since the time the pair worked together. But the 54-year-old Indian is prepared for some payback the next time he meets Popyrin.
"He was always a little kid with a big heart when I was working with him. I would always overpower him whenever I needed to win a point, and he would get really upset. He would say that he can't wait to get bigger and stronger to get back at me. I've been in constant touch with the family over the years, discussing his progress. I'm sure his wish will come true of getting back at me when we meet next," the Indian signed off with a smile.