Monte Carlo Masters champion Andrey Rublev was bundled out -6-4, 6-4 by Aussie outsider Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday in a second-round shock on the clay.
The 46th-ranked winner, Roland Garros junior champion seven years ago, credited his experience in the previous round with giving him confidence for his knockout of the sixth seed in just under an hour and three-quarters.
“I felt confident on the clay after already playing a match,” Popyrin said, “It was the first time on centre court for me.
“I was able to dictate but came under some pressure when he got a break point as I was serving for it.
“I was trying not to give him the same ball all the time; from the baseline he’s the best hitter when he gets that rhythm.
“I have good memories on clay from last season and this was an awesome match for me.”
Popyrin advanced with 25 winners and 30 unforced errors while Rublev committed 29 errors in defeat.
Main photo:- Alexei Popyrin winning in Monte Carlo by ATPTour.com
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