It was late last month at Royal Troon in Scotland that she clinched a win for the ages by winning the AIG Women's Open by two strokes. And the most remarkable thing about his emotional roller coaster of a victory? It was ranked 304th in the world at the time.
Popov - who was born in the United States - had won neither the LPGA Tour nor the Ladies European Tour before this year's Open. She lost her tour card and at one point considered giving up the sport altogether.
Few who witnessed his victory are likely to forget his victory speech, as Popov held back tears to reflect on the most unlikely of victories.
"Every time I talk to someone and they ask me about, you know, the last five or six years, I always tear myself apart because it's such a struggle and I can't even put words about what it is, "Popov told CNN Sport.
Overcome the obstacles of life
And "struggle" is a sweet word when you consider how much she has had to overcome in life.
A courageous journey if there is one, to bravely overcome one obstacle after another, including Lyme disease and the three years it took to be diagnosed.
"There have been weeks over the past few years where I honestly haven't been able to get up for days," said the 27-year-old.
"It was almost like having mono and six different illnesses at the same time. I didn't even know what was going on. I had stomach problems. I lost some kind of feeling in my arms, in my legs. And just weird symptoms where I didn't know what to do with them, the doctors didn't know what to do. "
It took hard work and dedication for Sophia to get to this point in her life, devoting countless hours to researching and discovering the best ways to not only be healthy, but also stay healthy. health.
"I pay so much attention to my nutrition, the way I train and the time I give myself for meditation, yoga and everything," Popov added.
"It's just nice to see that I could be there for five weeks and win a tournament after week five. It's the result of hard work and extremely hard work."
Golf in the Covid-19 era means there are no fans on the course, but Popov was at least able to share his big victory in Scotland with someone very special - his younger son and boyfriend Maximilian Mehles who accompanied her every step of the way.
"I think being able to share the whole experience that week made it even more emotional because he went through it all with me," Popov says.
"We've been dating for six years now, so really he's seen it all. All the health struggles, everything. All the hard work and just trying to fight. He knows how much it means to me and I think that means just so much for him too. "
A decisive moment for Popov? Yes, probably but don't expect that to change her.
She describes her winner's check for $ 675,000 as a "financial cushion" and is already discovering how likely she is to gain more media attention.
"It has changed my life in a lot of ways, but I sincerely hope it hasn't changed me because it's the biggest goal," she said.
Almost stop
Popov says she was "very close" to quitting the sport, revealing that there were four or five different occasions she had spoken to her family about it.
"I was looking to do my masters. I looked at about 10 to 15 programs last year. And I did the same with regards to jobs and applications.
"Now that I'm going to my LinkedIn account I'm like, well, I probably should have cleaned this up a bit but I don't have to do that now, so it's okay!"
It hasn't been easy for Popov - who has climbed to 24th in the world and now joins Bernhard Langer and Martin Kaymer as big winners in German golf.
Major wins result in a five-year exemption on the LPGA tour, but, with majors out of service this year due to Covid-19, that won't start until 2021 for Popov.
The LPGA's rules for the upcoming season also mean that Popov is not eligible to play the next major - the ANA Inspiration starting September 10 - because she was not a "full" member of the. tour when she triumphed at Troon.
It is a decision that has attracted much criticism.
"This is the rule we started the season with," LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said in a video statement released Friday. "That's what we'll end the season with."
Whan added that he re-evaluates the regulations and restrictions at the end of the season, as he does every year.
'Your dreams can come true'
The story of his life is inspiring to say the least. Now, inspiring others is what motivates her now.
"All I can say is whether you're a golfer or a non-golfer you never know when it's going to happen.
"For some people it happens sooner. For some people it happens later. No one will tell you in advance, there is no timeline for life. Your dreams can come true at some point. . You just have to believe in them. And don't quit. "
Before the interview is over, there is time for a final question. Where is that coveted trophy she just won in Scotland? Turns out it's right next to her. And don't think she's about to give up anytime soon!
"Honestly, I don't want to let him go. I never let him out of my sight any day and the first thing I wake up after waking up in the morning is I take it and come, you know I stick to it for my dear life because I don't want to give it away, "she says.
