Popyrin vows better show at 2019 Dubai Open

Dubai teen Alexei Popyrin has promised his third visit at the annual Dubai Tennis Championships in 2019 should be a memorable one after coming through the ATP University at The O2 Arena this year.

Popyrin, a former Dubai resident and ball boy at the Dubai Tennis Championships, has already played on two occasions in the qualifiers at the Duty Free-owned and sponsored tennis event. And even though he has failed to make it through to the main draw in two attempts, Popyrin has proved the depth of his talent after becoming the first Australian in 49 years to be crowned champion at the French Open Junior Boys last year.

The 19-year-old, who once used to train as a junior under Jean Francois Danican at Al Wasl Club’s tennis facility before shifting residence between Spain and Australia, was among the 27 ATP World Tour players at this year’s ATP University held alongside the Nitto ATP Tour Finals.