‘Just another match’: Aussie Alexei Popyrin’s huge Novak Djokovic call

Aussie tennis player Alexei Popyrin has made some bold comments ahead of his match against Men’s World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

Australian Alexei Popyrin and Novak Djokovic. Pictures: David Caird; Michael Klein

Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin will soon face Men’s World No. 1 Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park but to him, he has boldly said, it is “just another match”.

The 24-year-old, who is ranked 43 in the world, will play Djokovic in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday after defeating fellow Aussie Marc Polmans in straight sets 6-3 7-6 6-2 in the first round of the tournament on Monday.

Australian Alexei Popyrin defeated fellow Aussie Marc Polmans on Monday. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

He will go up against Serbia's Novak Djokovic in round two of the Australian Open. Picture: William West / AFP

Speaking after the win, Popyrin revealed he had not watched Djokovic’s four-hour marathon match on Sunday night or the moment Australian star Alex de Minaur defeated Djokovic at the United Cup in Perth earlier this month.

But he promised to do his homework, “like I always do” before matches.

“Going to play against Novak is nothing different than going to play against anybody else on tour,” he told reporters.

“For me it’s the same preparation. For me it’s the same mentality.”

Alexei Popyrin plays a backhand in his round one singles match against Marc Polmans. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

The Aussie said he believed he could defeat Djokovic and there was no point going out on the court on Wednesday if he didn’t think that.

“It’s just me playing the World No. 1. It’s just another match for me,” he said nonchalantly.

While Popyrin said the defending Australian Open champion was probably “the greatest of all time in our sport” and had no weaknesses, he warned: “I have big weapons in my game that I believe can do some damage”.

Novak Djokovic is the defending Australian Open champion. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Popyrin said when he played Djokovic at 19 years old he was “physically just not up to par to him” but that had changed.

“Now I’m 24 years old, five years later, a bit more experienced, bit more mature. A bit physically stronger. I would say much more physically stronger,” he said.

Popyrin revealed he would be hitting up De Minaur for advice on how to beat Djokovic.

De Minaur, Men’s World No. 10, will go head to head with Canadian Milos Raonic in round one on Monday night on Rod Laver Arena.

Originally published as ‘Just another match’: Aussie Alexei Popyrin’s huge Novak Djokovic call