By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now |Saturday, February 24, 2024
A strong-willed Jordan Thompson beat Casper Ruud 6-3, 7-6(4) to claim his maiden ATP title in Los Cabos and complete an astounding comeback week.
Photo credit: Mifel Tennis Open Facebook
Jordan Thompson played miracle maker to wrap the wildest week of his career.
A strong-willed Thompson defeated Casper Ruud 6-3, 7-6(4) to claim his maiden ATP title in Los Cabos and complete an astounding comeback week.
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The 26-year-old Aussie showed sheer defiance to reach the title promised land.
Thompson smacked seven aces and fought off 11 of 13 break points topping 2022 US Open finalist Ruud and claim his first ATP title 11 years after launching his pro career.
In an epic run to the title, Thompson toiled more than 12 hours on court in five tournament victories battling back from a bagel and a half down in the quarterfinals.
Facing a dire 6-0, 3-0 deficit against American Alex Michelsen in the quarterfinals, a stubborn Thompson fended off three match points to prevail in a pulsating 0-6, 7-6(1), 7-5 comeback victory.
That comeback alone would have been a highlight for most. Thompson backed it up battling past Olympic gold medal champion Alexander Zverev 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) in a sweat-soaked three hour, 40-minute semifinal marathon that ended after 1 a.m. local time.
"I spent so many hours on the court this week. In the quarterfinal I could have been double bageled, I could have been losing 6-0, 6-0. And now I'm about to lift the trophy, so I think it's still a miracle," said Thompson, who converted all three break points against Ruud in the final.
Thompson toppled Rafael Nadal in last month's Brisbane semifinals and will now rise to a career-high ranking of No. 32 thanks to his Los Cabos heroics.
"My favorite place now, without a doubt," Thompson said of Los Cabos after prevailing in his third final.
The feisty Thompson wasn't done yet. Thompson returned to court with partner Max Purcell to capture the Los Cabos doubles title putting a bow around a "miracle" week.