Alexei Popyrin Shocks French Open 2025: Match Highlights, Scoreline & What’s Next

Australian No. 2 Alexei Popyrin heads into Wednesday night’s French Open second-round showdown with Chilean left-hander Alejandro Tabilo brimming with confidence after breaking a six-year winless streak in Paris. The world No. 25 dismissed Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 7-5 6-4 ret. to post his first main-draw victory at Roland Garros since 2019, a result that confirmed the 25-year-old’s growing maturity on clay and kept his 2025 resurgence on track. Popyrin, seeded 25th, opens Court 6 play at 7 pm AEST (11 am local) against the in-form Tabilo, who stunned Novak Djokovic in Rome earlier this month. The pair have never met at tour level, but the Australian holds a 6-3 record against left-handers this season and believes his booming serve–forehand combination can dictate on the slow Parisian clay. “Getting that first win here again lifts a weight off my shoulders,” Popyrin said after round one. “I’ve been practising well, serving big and trusting my movement. If I stay aggressive, I back myself against anyone.” Season snapshot • Career-high ranking: No. 23 (Aug 2024) • 2025 record: 19-11 (5-4 on clay) • Notable wins: over Andrey Rublev (Madrid), Félix Auger-Aliassime (Acapulco) Path to a milestone Victory over Tabilo would propel Popyrin into the Roland Garros third round for the first time and further bolster his bid for an Olympic spot. It would also mark his deepest run at a major since last year’s US Open, where he reached week two. Keys to the clash 1. First-serve percentage – Popyrin has averaged 67 % first serves in play this clay swing; when he exceeds 65 %, he is 14-2. 2. Tabilo’s drop-shot – the Chilean deploys it 13 times per match on clay; Popyrin’s forward sprint speed has improved, but anticipation will be vital. 3. Mental edge – Popyrin has won three five-setters at majors, while Tabilo is 0-2 in matches that go the distance. Where to watch Australian fans can follow live coverage on Nine and Stan Sport from 7 pm AEST, with international streams available via RolandGarros.com and the official ATP Tour platforms. Why this run matters A third-round berth would virtually guarantee Popyrin a seeding at Wimbledon and solidify his position inside the world’s top 30 heading into the North American hard-court swing. It would also cap a remarkable 12-month rise for the Sydney-born star, who was ranked outside the top 90 at the start of 2024. The bigger picture With compatriots Alex de Minaur and Thanasi Kokkinakis already advancing, Australian tennis is enjoying its strongest collective Roland Garros showing in a decade. Popyrin’s aggressive baseline game and improved physical conditioning have made him a genuine second-week threat. Should he navigate past Tabilo, a potential third-round meeting with No. 12 seed Hubert Hurkacz looms—a tantalising prospect for a player whose power game translates to any surface. Bottom line Alexei Popyrin has momentum, a career-best ranking, and a draw that suddenly looks navigable. One more measured performance against Alejandro Tabilo could unlock his long-awaited Roland Garros breakthrough and cement the 25-year-old as Australia’s clay-court spearhead for years to come.