If Popovici isn’t at his best, Chalmers could swoop in and win his maiden individual world championships gold medal.

Chalmers was asked whether he read anything into Popovici’s fourth place in the 200m freestyle.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t,” Chalmers said. “But also for me, Matt Richards and Tom Dean [who won gold and silver] are two of my really great mates, so to see them have success [is great].

“Obviously, [Popovici] faded a little bit, but I think he’s young and he’ll learn from that and be better for it in the 100.”

Until Popovici’s failure on Tuesday night, there had been an aura of invincibility about him since bursting onto the scene at last year’s world championships in Budapest.

However, in comments that will add a layer of intrigue to Wednesday’s semi-finals, Chalmers said every swimmer had their off moments.

Loading

“No one is invincible,” Chalmers said. “I’ve been in the sport a long time and have learnt that through my years. That’s a lesson he is probably starting to learn now.”

Chalmers won a gold medal in the 100m freestyle at the 2016 Olympics before claiming a silver medal at Tokyo 2020.

Australia’s best chances of a gold medal on Wednesday night lie with either Titmus or Mollie O’Callaghan in the women’s 200m freestyle. Sam Short will be aiming to win another gold when he races the 800m freestyle, while Australia’s mixed medley relay team have booked a spot in lane five for Wednesday’s final next to the USA.

Watch the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka live on Channel Nine & 9Now.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.