In a disappointing turn of events for Alexei Popyrin, the Australian men’s second seed, his hopes of advancing in the French Open were dashed by American player Tommy Paul in a one-sided match on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Popyrin, who had shown promise by not dropping a set in his previous matches, failed to make an impact as Paul dominated the game with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Despite an early break in the opening game, Popyrin struggled to maintain momentum against Paul, who effectively saved multiple break points and capitalized on his opponent’s errors. The match showcased Paul’s resilience and strategic play, ultimately leading him to become the first American man to reach the quarter-finals at Roland Garros since 2003.

Popyrin’s exit leaves Daria Kasatkina as the sole Australian player remaining in the tournament. The defeat was a blow to Popyrin’s aspirations, especially after his impressive performance at the US Open last year. Paul’s efficient gameplay and ability to control the match from start to finish highlighted his strength as a contender in the tournament.

As the French Open progresses, all eyes are on Paul as he prepares to face either Ben Shelton or reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. Popyrin, on the other hand, reflected on his inconsistent season and missed opportunities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of performance in competitive tennis.