Alexei Popyrin has made history by winning his first Masters 1000 title at the Montreal tournament, becoming the first Australian to achieve this feat since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003.

His remarkable journey to the title included defeating five consecutive top-20 players, culminating in a straight-sets victory over world No. 6 Andrey Rublev in the final, with a score of 6-2, 6-4.

Popyrin's victory not only earned him 1000 ATP ranking points but also propelled him to No. 23 in the ATP live rankings, marking his highest career ranking to date.

This win positions Popyrin for a seeded spot at the upcoming US Open, a significant milestone in his career.

Reflecting on his past, Popyrin faced numerous challenges as a junior player, even contemplating quitting tennis before deciding to persevere, which he credits for his recent success.

After teaming up with coach Xavier Malisse in late 2022, Popyrin found renewed positivity that has contributed significantly to his performance.

His 2022 season was particularly tough, marked by a drop in ranking, but he views this period as a 'blessing in disguise' that led to personal growth.

Popyrin expressed gratitude towards his family, who relocated from Sydney to Dubai and then to Spain to support his tennis aspirations.

With this victory, Popyrin has secured his first Grand Slam seeding for the upcoming US Open, a significant achievement in his career.

He is now preparing for the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, traveling by private jet for the first time due to his recent success.

In the semifinals, Popyrin defeated Sebastian Korda, who had won the previous week's tournament in Washington, D.C., showcasing his impressive form.

Rublev acknowledged Popyrin's achievement, praising him for overcoming a tough draw and performing exceptionally well throughout the tournament.