Popyrin puts Australia ahead against Finland in Davis Cup semi-final

Alexei Popyrin, who arrived in Malaga this week unsure if he would even be required for the Davis Cup last eight, put his country on the verge of a place in the final for the second year in a row with a typically gutsy performance on Friday.

The big-serving Aussie, a late replacement in the squad for the injured Thanasi Kokkinakis in what was his first Davis Cup match in two years, beat Otto Virtanen 7-6 (5), 6-2 to put Lleyton Hewitt’s side 1-0 up in the best of three encounter.

“Probably the biggest win of my career so far, to get a point on the board for your country, it’s an honour and something I’ll never forget,” Popyrin said.

“Nothing compares to it. I thought I was ready but when I came out and heard the away fans and the Aussie fans, it was nerves I’ve never experienced before, so for me to come out and steady my head, capitalise on my chances, it was something really good for me.

After snatching the first set on the tiebreak, Popyrin broke midway through the second set and repeated the feat in the sixth game, clinching victory when the Finn mis-hit a forehand wide.

World No 171 Virtanen played brilliantly in the first set, matching Popyrin until the tiebreak, which the Australian pinched 7-5.

From then on, it was all Popyrin, the more experienced player pulling away for victory in one hour, 29 minutes.

Alex de Minaur can seal Australia’s place in the final if he beats Emil Ruusuvuori in the second singles match.