Singapore, 26 February 2021 | Vivienne Christie

Alexei Popyrin has secured a first ATP-level semifinal appearance with a win over fellow Australian Matt Ebden at the Singapore Tennis Open.

It took the 21-year-old an hour and 25 minutes to secure the 6-4 7-6(7) victory over his countryman.

The world No.114 Popyrin was contesting his second quarterfinal at that level, matching his best tournament result from Atlanta in 2019.

https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1365366689605550082?s=20

Popyrin’s second career win over Ebden – he claimed his other win at Basel in 2018 – was helped by a stellar serving display.

The younger Australian hit 14 aces, recorded only two double faults and did not face a break point until the second set tiebreak.

Highlighting the quality of their encounter, Popryin secured the only break of serve in the 10th game to claim the first-set advantage before securing victory on his second match point.

Ebden, a wildcard recipient into the ATP 250 tournament, was aiming to make a fourth career semifinal at ATP level.

🎾close one in singles, and got the win in the doubles with @jpatsmith 👮‍♂️👮‍♂️ semifinals 👉 tomorrow here in Singapore#singapore #tennis #atptour #atptennis #singaporeopen #singaporefood #singaporetennisopen pic.twitter.com/Z7oXYmv7kQ

— Matt Ebden (@mattebden) February 26, 2021

There was progress in doubles for Ebden, who combined with John-Patrick Smith to defeat Robert Galloway and Alex Lawson 6-4 3-6 [10-5] in their doubles quarterfinal.

The Australian duo now faces Luis Martinez and David Vega Hernandez, from Venezuela and Spain respectively, in the semifinal.

Popyrin meets No.3 seed Marin Cilic for the chance to contest Sunday’s singles final. The experienced Croat defeated Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon 6-2 2-6 7-5 to secure his semifinal appearance.

Aussies in action – Singapore

RESULTS

Men’s singles, quarterfinal
Alexei Popyrin (AUS) d [WC] Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-4 7-6(7)

Men’s doubles, quarterfinal
Matthew Ebden (AUS)/John Patrick Smith (AUS) d Robert Galloway (USA)/Alex Lawson (USA) 6-4 3-6 [10-5]

COMING UP

Men’s singles, semifinal
Alexei Popyrin (AUS) v [3] Marin Cilic (CRO) / Soonwoo Kwon (KOR)

Men’s doubles, semifinal
Matthew Ebden (AUS)/John Patrick Smith (AUS) v Luis Martinez (VEN)/David Vega Hernandez (ESP)