Australian Open Day 2 delivered one of its most dramatic encounters on John Cain Arena, as Australian hope Alexei Popyrin fell to France’s Alexandre Müller in a marathon five-set contest that kept the crowd engaged for nearly four hours.
The match unfolded as a constant exchange of momentum, with neither player able to sustain control for long stretches. Each time one player claimed a set, the balance shifted again, turning the contest into a true test of endurance, concentration and physical resilience.
Momentum swings define a demanding contest
Popyrin struck first, taking the opening set and energizing the home crowd. However, the pattern that followed defined the match: as soon as one player appeared to gain an advantage, the other responded. Sets were traded evenly, with neither side able to string together sustained dominance as the scoreline moved to two sets all.
The constant shifts created a tense atmosphere, forcing both players to reset mentally after each change in momentum.
Physical toll becomes visible
As the match wore on, the physical demands became increasingly apparent for Popyrin. During the fourth set, the Australian required a medical timeout, with treatment focused on his leg. On several occasions, the medical team was called onto the court during changeovers, underlining the physical strain of the contest.
Despite the discomfort, Popyrin continued to compete with determination, pushing the match into a decisive fifth set.
Late twist in a dramatic fifth set
In the deciding set, Popyrin appeared to seize his opportunity. Leading 4–3, he secured a crucial break and moved ahead 5–3, putting himself within a single service game of victory. The atmosphere inside John Cain Arena shifted, with the crowd sensing a breakthrough for the home player.
However, Müller refused to yield. The Frenchman broke back immediately, restoring parity and forcing the match into a deciding tiebreak. Once there, the momentum swung decisively. Müller played with clarity and aggression, racing through the tiebreak 10–4 to complete a remarkable turnaround.
A match to remember despite the disappointment
While the result left the home crowd disappointed, the quality and drama of the contest ensured that the spectators were treated to an absorbing spectacle. Lasting three hours and 53 minutes, the match showcased resilience, emotional swings and the fine margins that define Grand Slam tennis.
For Popyrin, the loss was a painful one, particularly after coming so close in the final set. For Müller, it marked a significant victory built on patience and belief under pressure.
By si.robi – Muller WMQ22 (5), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=120086550
By Hameltion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137223377
This match added to the demanding opening rounds of the Australian Open Day 2.