Alexei Popyrin Faces Reilly Opelka in Adelaide International First Round
Adelaide, 12 January 2026 – Australian tennis star Alexei Popyrin, currently ranked 50th in the ATP standings, is set to begin his 2026 season at the Adelaide International with a first-round clash against American Reilly Opelka. The match takes place on outdoor hard courts at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, marking Popyrin’s return to competitive action after a challenging end to 2025.
Popyrin’s Recent Form and Rankings
Popyrin, who reached a career-high ranking of 19 in 2025, has struggled with consistency in recent months. He posted a 17-24 record last year, with a 41.5 per cent win rate over the past 52 weeks. On hard courts, his career record stands at 70-87 (44.6 per cent), but he showed improvement on clay, achieving a 64.3 per cent win rate in 2025. Despite losing his last six matches, Popyrin has won three ATP tour-level titles and remains a formidable opponent with his powerful serve, averaging 9.4 aces per match recently.
Head-to-Head and Match Preview
This will be the second professional meeting between Popyrin and Opelka, with Popyrin holding a 1-0 advantage from their previous encounter on hard court. Opelka, ranked 60th, started 2026 with a 1-1 record, including a win over Dane Sweeny in Brisbane. The American’s serve is a key weapon, averaging 10.3 aces per match in 2025. Popyrin’s draw in Adelaide includes potential matches against Tommy Paul, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Francisco Cerundolo, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but he must first overcome Opelka to advance.
Key Facts / Stats
| Player | ATP Ranking |
|---|---|
| Alexei Popyrin | 50 |
| Reilly Opelka | 60 |
| Head-to-Head (Popyrin vs Opelka) | 1-0 |
| Popyrin 2025 Record | 17-24 (41.5% win rate) |
| Opelka 2025 Record | 33-28 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the favourite in the Popyrin vs Opelka match?
Opelka is slightly favoured due to his recent form and powerful serve, but Popyrin’s home advantage and past victory could make it competitive.
What are Popyrin’s career highlights?
Popyrin has won three ATP titles, including two on hard courts, and reached the quarter-finals of majors like Wimbledon.
How can I watch the Adelaide International?
The tournament is broadcast on Sky Sports Tennis in the UK and Tennis Channel in the USA, with online options available via respective streaming services.