Thompson saves three match factors in a shocking comeback victory over Rafafel Nadal, securing a semifinal spot in Brisbane.
Brisbane, Queensland, 5 January 2024 | Vivienne Christie
Jordan Thompson saved three match factors in opposition to the returning Rafael Nadal to safe one of the vital memorable wins of his profession on the Brisbane Worldwide.
The Australian recorded his 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 win over the 22-time Grand Slam champion in three hours and 25 minutes.
He saved a primary match level within the second set, and two within the tiebreak in a spirited efficiency in opposition to the previous world No.1.
Nadal, who obtained therapy on the hip that required surgical procedure mid-2023, warmly embraced Thompson after the 29-year-old’s emotion win.
“He was considered one of my idols rising up,” Thompson mentioned. “I cherished Lleyton (Hewitt), cherished Andy Murray, cherished Rafa.
“It was particular to share the court docket once more and to take him down was an entire different feeling.”
Thompson did so with some courageous and spirited tennis through which he merely refused to falter in opposition to his prolific opponent.
Executing artful baseline tennis and drawing on the assist of an absorbed Pat Rafter Area crowd, Thompson executed 47 winners in opposition to 38 from Nadal and hit one much less unforced error than the Spaniard’s 29.
However arguably essentially the most outstanding aspect of Thompson’s unforgettable victory was sustaining his focus in some testing Queensland humidity – and within the face of trademark depth from Nadal.
“I fully forgot I saved match factors,” the Australian smiled.
“However to beat Rafa, in Brissy, at dwelling in a quarterfinal – I feel it’s my first semifinal on a tough court docket as properly. I couldn’t be happier.”
The memorable efficiency sees Thompson by way of to the semifinals in Brisbane, the place he’ll tackle No.2 seed Grigor Dimitrov.
“He’s in unimaginable kind,” mentioned the Sydneysider, who takes a 1-1 report into tonight’s match in opposition to the world No.14.
“He had an awesome yr together with his rating as properly, he actually pushed again up. He’s actually heading in the right direction.”
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