Matteo Arnaldi defeated Alexei Popyrin 6–3, 6–2 at the ATP 250 Brisbane tournament on hard court in the first round on 30 December 2024, upsetting the pre-match favourite. Popyrin entered as the odds-on favourite at 1.61, but Arnaldi's clinical performance dismantled the Australian's challenge across two sets, with the Italian breaking serve and maintaining control throughout. The decisive margin and early exit represent a significant setback for Popyrin in the opening week of the season, whilst Arnaldi advances with considerable momentum into the tournament proper.