Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin Preview & Prediction | 2024 Brisbane International | Round of 16
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THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? ATP 250
When is Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin on and what time does it start? Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin will take place on Wednesday 3rd January, 2024 – not before 04:00 (UK)
Where is Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin taking place? Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Australia
What surface is Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin being played on? Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin? Click here for the latest ticket information for Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin
What channel is Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin on in the UK? Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Roman Safiullin vs Alexei Popyrin live on Sky Go, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
This looks set to be a lengthy battle between world number 39 Roman Safiullin, at a career-high, and number 40 Alexei Popyrin, whose career-high is also 39th. 26-year-old Safiullin ended last season in the sort of form he has been flirting with for a few years, finishing runner-up to Alexander Zverev at the Chengdu Open and beating an out-of-sorts Carlos Alcaraz in Paris, and he looks to have started 2024 in a similar vein after a shock three-set victory over third seed ben Shelton in Brisbane. The Russian ghosted through to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon last summer before defeat to Jannik Sinner and he should be considered a threat to the top 30 over the coming months if he can maintain the focus required in this stacked part of the year. 24-year-old Popyrin overcame fellow Aussie Christopher O’Connell in three sets on Sunday to make up a five-string group of home hopefuls inside the last 16. A defeat to Matteo Arnaldi in the Davis Cup Final last time out looked a very bitter pill to swallow but after a woeful 2022 Popyrin should be pleased with picking up a second ATP title at the Umag Open in July.
THE PREDICTION
Home advantage favours Popyrin in Brisbane and he has been handed the main court by organisers, who must be struggling to accommodate so many Australians in the draw. That should see the popular youngster well-backed by a partisan atmosphere here but Safiullin remains the form player coming off of a huge result. Back Safiullin to earn at least a set as the likelier of two very capable victors.
TIP: ROMAN SAFIULLIN TO WIN A SET
