For Alexei Popyrin, the difference-maker isn’t just his powerful serve or agile footwork. But it is the constant presence of his girlfriend that fuels his success! Popyrin made history after his win over Andrey Rublev in the finals of the Canadian Open. However, there was a time when the Aussie tennis pro was struggling on the court. And thankfully, that is when his girlfriend, Amy Pederick, played a crucial role in propelling him forward.

Popyrin’s love life with Pederick came into the picture in 2019, the same time when the Australian had his first Grand Slam main-draw match win on the ATP tour. By performing in back-to-back tournaments, like the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, French Open, and Wimbledon, Popyrin gained much popularity on the ATP circuit. As a result, he even went to World No. 99 in singles in June. While he was busy having a breakthrough year, Popyrin’s girlfriend, Pederick, focused on her profession as a physiotherapist.

Having graduated in physiotherapy, the Brit, who is around 24 years old, started helping his boyfriend with his training and fitness, thus supporting his tennis career in a big way. Pederick is often on the tour with Popyrin as a supportive girlfriend and a key part of his team. Even though the pair started dating in 2019, they had known each other since childhood.

Popyrin grew up in Dubai and was even a ball kid in the 2009 Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships. It is in the Gulf nation that he first met Pederick. She was born in Zimbabwe to English parents, and like Popyrin grew up in Dubai.

In February, the Aussie revealed to Khaleej Times, “We went to the class together (in Dubai), so we were in the same math class when we were eight years old and we kind of kept in touch since then.” The Candian Open winner also mentioned when they started dating.

He added, “And then when were 18 years old, she was in London and I was there for the Queens (tennis tournament) and we met up, and we have been dating ever since.” As time went by, their bond became stronger, but sadly, Popyrin’s professional career met with a roadblock. In 2022, Popyrin struggled to get past the first rounds of multiple events. By the end of that year, he was only able to win one ATP Challenger tour title at the BNP Paribas Primrose Bordeaux and had fallen out of the Top 100.

Speaking about this difficult time with Today, Popyrin’s girlfriend said, “It was really tough, mentally – very draining for him and it wasn’t easy. But he stuck through, he grinded, and he pushed through and he trained so hard in pre-season. Every single day, he was on the court for hours. He tried everything, mentally.”

Pederick then detailed how his boyfriend was able to bounce back through perseverance and planning. “He got a new nutrition coach on the team, and I think he has worked so hard to build an amazing team and build a strong support system. I think that is what helped him, and he has gone into this year with a very positive mindset.”

His hard work started reflecting on his performance in 2023. At the Australian Open, he entered as a wildcard and stunned world no. 9 Taylor Fritz in the second round to advance. Though he lost to Ben Shelton in the third round, he was back in the Top 100, moving to 90. 2023 also saw him win his second ATP title as he defeated sixth seed Stan Wawrinka to win the Croatia Open. He ended the year with a first Masters quarterfinal, reaching the top 40 in the rankings.

This year, the World No. 64 made his Olympic debut and reached round 3 but has now made history in Canada. After he beat world number 8, Andrey Rublev, 6-2, 6-4, he became the first Australian to win an ATP Masters 1000 title since Lleyton Hewitt won the Indian Wells in 2003. Speaking after the win, he also mentioned his girlfriend.

The 25-year-old joked, “This is one of the few weeks where my girlfriend isn’t traveling with me and I win the tournament. I hope she comes to New York now.” Popyrin already has his eyes set on the U.S. Open. Meanwhile, even though, Pederick wasn’t in attendance to celebrate the win, she made sure to express her delight for her boyfriend’s success.

Uploading a story on Instagram she wrote, “Proud doesn’t even come close ♥️♥️ you’re so incredible and beyond deserving! Enjoy every second my love Alexei Popyrin.” Pederick as always is by Popyrin’s side to cheer him on. The couple also achieved a significant milestone in their personal lives earlier this year.

Popyrin’s new adventure with his girlfriend 

Popyrin’s girlfriend is often found in the stands during his tournaments, supporting him. Be it during Wimbledon or the Olympic campaign, Pederick is there to cheer him on with a smile. But when they are not on-court, the duo enjoy their special moments in Paris, Seychelles, and other regions of the world. However, if weariness sets in, the couple can finally retreat to the comfort of their own home, a house they recently acquired. 

Popyrin and Pedereick have now become a proud owner of a house in Dubai. In the interview with Khaleej Times Popyrin said, “Yeah, we just bought a house together in Dubai, we picked up the keys last week.” Popyrin’s heart also fills with gratitude for Dubai which has played a big role in his growth as a professional tennis player.

The Aussie player has reached a career-high rank of 23 after his Canadian Open success. While Popyrin’s talent and hard work are undeniable, his girlfriend’s contributions can not be overlooked. Together, they form a formidable team, and tennis fans can expect great things from this dynamic duo.