Dubai’s ex-ball kid Alexei Popyrin debuts in DDFTC

Alexei Popyrin, a 23-year-old Australian national and Dubai resident, starts his maiden Dubai appearance against a qualifier in R32 of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The wildcard, a product of the CF Tennis Academy, confessed he knows the Championships well from his days as a former ball kid. “Being a ball kid here so many years ago is one of my fondest memories,” said Popyrin. “Back then as a ball kid on Centre Court, it was always my dream to play in Dubai. To get that opportunity is great privilege and honour, and I want to thank everyone who participated in handing me the wildcard,” he said. I always told myself that if I ever made it I would thank all the ball kids, but to be honest I don’t really do that – so thank you to all of them in advance,” laughed the World No.84. The 31st staging of the ATP Tour 500 tournament runs from February 26 to March 4. ICA/Expat Media
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