Alexei Popyrin can hardly believe that a supposedly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has actually presented itself twice, as he wants to follow his old contemporary Alex de Minaur from Sydney on the road to glory at Wimbledon.
The only two Australians remaining in singles will enter third-round matches on Saturday with the tantalising prospect of meeting again later in the quarter-finals.
However, it still seems quite far away, as Popyrin must first achieve the unlikely feat of defeating seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the third round on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Meanwhile, ninth-seeded de Minaur is the clear favorite to defeat the resurgent former French number one player Lucas Pouille (world number 212) in another duel that would put him in the round of 16.
Popyrin played with “Demon” when he was younger, but watched his old friend rise to become a top 10 player, but still dreams of the big break he believes his talent and dedication will eventually bring him.
“I think what Alex does is very motivating for every Australian,” says Popyrin.
“For me it’s an extra motivation to see him in the top 10 and fighting for Grand Slam and Masters titles. He is what we all strive for, his level, his career, it’s incredible.”
“And he certainly has more to give.
“But I feel like I have what it takes to play at this level.”
And what a stage to prove it. Popyrin got to play on Centre Court for the first time today, a privilege he and coach Neville Godwin, who have played a dozen Wimbledons between them, have never enjoyed before.
For 24-year-old Popyrin, playing against Djokovic at the Australian Open on Rod Laver Arena in January was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but he went home frustrated after having set points and taking a 2-1 lead, but eventually losing in four sets.
But now another dream opportunity has arisen: the chance to have the big man play at centre, and he is determined to make the most of this visit, especially with more than a few question marks hanging over Djokovic’s fitness following his recent meniscus surgery.
Although he still believes that “Djokovic will be a completely different caliber at Wimbledon” and does not want to make any wild predictions, the world number 47 explains: “I know I can do it.”
“I think I did really well in Australia. I firmly believe that if I had won the second set, I would have won the match. I felt like I was in the driver’s seat. I felt super, super comfortable out there. And I enjoyed every moment.
“He’s a super solid player. But I feel like he gives you chances every now and then. Not many, but when he does, you have to take them. Because if you don’t, he’ll pay for it.”
When asked if he was upset about not winning, Popyrin shrugged: “Absolutely. I left the court feeling pretty frustrated with myself for not making those break points.”
He will certainly not be overwhelmed by this occasion after having already played against Djokovic on Laver and against Rafa Nadal on Court Philippe Chatrier at the French Open.
“If you had asked me two or three years ago, I probably would have said I couldn’t sleep at night thinking about the game. But now I go out there like it’s just another game against just another player.”
“And I feel like I have the level to cause problems.”