Alexei Popyrin Wins Plava Laguna Croatia Open Title

Australian beats Stan Wawrinka in the final to claim his second ATP Tour title.

Umag, Croatia - July 30, 2023

Alexei Popyrin has defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-6(5) to win the Plava Laguna Croatia Open, his second ATP Tour title.

The Australian saved a set point in the second set and then rallied from 4-1 down in the third to earn a hard-fought victory in three hours and 10 minutes.

Popyrin, who won his first ATP title in Singapore in 2021, was delighted with his victory.

"It's an amazing feeling," he said. "I've been working so hard for this and it's finally paid off. I'm so happy to have won here in Umag."

Wawrinka, who was seeking his first ATP title since 2017, was disappointed with the result but praised Popyrin's performance.

"Alexei played very well today," he said. "He's a tough opponent and he deserved to win. I'm still happy with my performance this week and I'll keep working hard to get back to winning ways."

Popyrin's victory is a significant achievement for the 23-year-old Australian. He is now ranked 50th in the world and is one of the most promising young players on the ATP Tour.

With his victory in Umag, Popyrin has shown that he has the potential to become a major force in the game. He is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him.