2021 Australian Open First Round – David Goffin vs Alexei Popyrin Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is David Goffin vs Alexei Popyrin taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is David Goffin vs Alexei Popyrin on and what time does it start? Tuesday 9th February, 2021 – not before 01:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for David Goffin vs Alexei Popyrin? Click here to reach the official 2021 Australian Open ticket selection
What channel is David Goffin vs Alexei Popyrin on? The 2021 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream David Goffin vs Alexei Popyrin in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
THE LOWDOWN
DAVID GOFFIN
- David Goffin was one of a few players who could not wait to see the back of 2020 as his form dropped off a cliff towards the end of the year, due perhaps to his contracting covid-19.
- The world number 15 enjoyed a little resurgence at the Antalya Open last month but lost in the semi-finals to the eventual champion Alex de Minaur in straight sets.
ALEXEI POPYRIN
- 21-year-old Alexei Popyrin made it through to the round of 16 of the Murray River Open last week before losing in a competitive three-set tussle with Grigor Dimitrov.
- A second round win over Tommy Paul in Melbourne Park last week is particularly impressive and the young Aussie should benefit well from a mass Australian majority in the crowds here.
THE PREDICTION
World number 113 Alexei Popyrin has looked impressive this past week in Melbourne and has enjoyed some his best tennis at the Australian Open in recent years having reached the third round in the last two editions. The young Aussie will be well supported in this first meeting with David Goffin and the Belgian enters this Grand Slam with next to no form behind him. Goffin has changed coaches after a dismal end to 2020 and that relationship may take time to blossom this season. On the face of it, on form alone, Popyrin has a real chance at causing one of the biggest shocks of this first round alongside Emil Ruusuvuori’s defeat of Gael Monfils. It would be worth keeping this pick away from an accumulator but the feel-good factor behind the 21-year-old is in stark contrast to Goffin’s doldrums right now. Popyrin to win by any means is worth a go here.
