Alexei Popyrin exudes confidence ahead of US Open having made big breakthrough

Alexei Popyrin is brimming with confidence heading into the US Open after a significant breakthrough in his career.

The Australian, who is currently ranked No. 84 in the world, will be competing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time.

Popyrin said he is "feeling good" about his chances and is confident he can make a deep run in the tournament.

"I've been playing well lately and I'm feeling really confident," Popyrin said.

"I think I can make a deep run here. I'm confident in my game and I'm ready to go."

Popyrin's confidence stems from a recent run of good form, which has seen him reach the semifinals of two ATP Challenger events. He also pushed world No. 1 Novak Djokovic to the brink in a thrilling five-set match at the Australian Open earlier this year.

"I think I'm playing the best tennis of my life right now," Popyrin said. "I'm just trying to stay focused and keep improving. I think I can be a top-50 player in the world, and I'm working hard to get there."

Popyrin is one of a number of young Australian players who are making a name for themselves on the ATP Tour. Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios, and Thanasi Kokkinakis are all ranked in the top 100, and Popyrin believes that this group of players can help to lead Australia back to the forefront of tennis.

"I think we're all capable of winning Grand Slams," Popyrin said. "We're all young and we're all hungry. I think we can be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.