Wu Yibing 🇨🇳 vs. Alexei Popyrin 🇦🇺

🎾 ATP Washington 2025 – Round of 32 Preview

Wu Yibing 🇨🇳 vs. Alexei Popyrin 🇦🇺

📍 Washington, D.C. | 🗓️ July 24 | 🎾 Hard (Outdoor)

🧠 Form & Context

Wu Yibing
🔥 Rebuilding strong: After dropping outside the top 200, Wu is staging a comeback with a 17–5 record in 2025 and just demolished Gaël Monfils 6–3, 6–1 in R1.
📈 Hard-court weapon: Boasts a 15–3 record on hard courts this year. His return game and court coverage have been elite.
🏆 Recent momentum: Titles at Tyler and strong Challenger runs at Cary and Los Cabos have reestablished his rhythm.
🧠 Confidence edge: Though he lost to Popyrin in Adelaide (2023), his improved form may swing things in his favor now.

Alexei Popyrin
🎯 Top 25 regular: Scalp list includes Ruud, De Minaur, and Draper. Solid 2025 overall, particularly on clay.
⚖️ Streaky on hard: Just 3–7 on hard courts this season—has struggled with timing and return consistency.
📉 Recent dips: Losses to Arthur Fery (Wimbledon) and Marcos Giron (Indian Wells) highlight form concerns.
🔙 DC demons: Never advanced past the second round in three prior trips to Washington.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Wu enters in red-hot form and full confidence. His forehand has been a legitimate weapon, and his ability to return deep and consistently gives him an edge if Popyrin’s serve falters.

Popyrin will try to take time away with pace and aggressive returns, but if he can’t dominate early, Wu’s rhythm and rally tolerance could slowly chip away at his defenses. Wu absorbs pace well, and Popyrin has historically struggled to find Plan B when that happens.

This match may come down to how well Popyrin serves. If Wu reads it early and engages in extended exchanges, the Aussie could be in trouble. Wu's current match fitness and confidence favor a grinding battle—exactly the kind Popyrin often loses.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Wu Yibing in 2 tight sets — Upset is there if he is fit. His hard-court form, return quality, and recent momentum make him a tough out. Unless Popyrin lands 70%+ first serves and dictates early, Wu’s consistency and sharpness should prevail.