Alexei Popyrin has returned to successful motion after his breakthrough triumph on the Singapore Open, defeating Austrian Dennis Novak in his opening match of the Dubai Championships.

The 21-year-old Australian Popyrin, who’s having fun with a exceptional 12 months and has shot as much as a career-best no.82 on this planet, didn’t have the smoothest of rides towards fellow wildcard Novak on Sunday, finally successful 7-6 (7-Three) 7-5 over two hard-fought units.

The Sydney teen confirmed his acquainted combating spirit within the opening stanza when, instantly after the Austrian had damaged him to serve for the set at 6-5, he hit again instantly to stage affairs earlier than reeling off three straight factors to settle the tiebreak.

Within the second set, the big-serving Popyrin, who hammered down 10 aces, then cracked Novak within the Austrian’s closing two service video games to expire winner in an hour and 36 minutes.

The victory units him up with a troublesome second spherical encounter towards Karen Khachanov, the Russian who was overwhelmed by his Australian compatriot Matt Ebden in Marseille final week.

Sydney’s world No.122 Chris O’Connell accomplished a advantageous weekend’s work, battling into the principle draw after successful his qualifier towards Turkey’s Cem Ilkel 6-Four 6-Three on Saturday after which beating Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano 6-2 6-Four on Sunday.

His reward can be a primary spherical tie in the principle draw with one other qualifier, South African Lloyd Harris.

Different Australians in motion in Dubai would be the nation’s prime two gamers, Alex de Minaur and John Millman, whereas Ebden, who ended up struggling an harm after reaching the semi-final in Marseille, is match to compete however can be grateful of a primary spherical bye.

He is probably not so pleased with a second spherical tie towards Roberto Bautista Agut, the world No.13.

Kei Nishikori got here again from a set down on Sunday to beat Reilly Opelka Three-6 6-Three 6-Four to arrange a standout second-round match with David Goffin.

Will probably be one other important check for Nishikori, who’s attempting to rebuild his kind after the coronavirus pandemic and elbow surgical procedure which restricted him to solely 4 tournaments in 2020.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was locked at Three-Three within the first set with Tunisian wild card Malek Jaziri when the 35-year-old French favorite was compelled to retire – his newest setback after an injury-hit 2020.

Shock Australian Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev reached the second spherical with a 6-Four 6-Four win over Egor Gerasimov after recovering from 2-Zero down within the second set.

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