Australian Alexei Popyrin is the first player through to the third round in the men’s singles draw at this year’s ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati, USA, 16 August 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Alexei Popyrin has taken advantage of a lucky-loser spot at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati.
The 24-year-old Australian lost a three-set battle against compatriot Max Purcell in the final qualifying round, but was elevated into the main draw when world No.11 Karen Khachanov withdrew with injury.
Popyrin returned to the winner’s circle today with a 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 opening-round victory against world No.52 Daniel Altmaier, a 24-year-old German who also entered the draw as a lucky loser.
It is world No.58 Popyrin’s first main-draw win at the Cincinnati Masters.
Popyrin’s good fortune has continued, moving directly into the third…