Jordan Thompson survives the longest match in event historical past to progress to a fourth ATP-level semifinal this yr in Atlanta.
Atlanta, United States , 27 July 2024 | Vivienne Christie #AtlantaOpen | @atptour | @TennisAustralia pic.twitter.com/vgN6NlByvp
— Atlanta Open 🎾 (@ATLOpenTennis) July 26, 2024
Amid blistering circumstances in Atlanta, the fourth-seeded Thompson relied on each a measure of willpower and his trademark athleticism to safe victory over Davidovich Fokina on his second match level.
His 40 winners have been precisely double the 20 amassed by the fifth-seeded Spaniard however Thompson was however made to work in each minute of the marathon encounter, with Davidovich Fokina saving 12 of the 14 break factors he confronted.
“I’m asking myself the identical factor,” mentioned Thompson with a smile, when requested how he’d ultimately pulled off the marathon victory within the testing warmth.
“I imply, it’s so sizzling out right here, (we have been) taking part in lengthy gruelling rallies. Fortunately I did my pre-seasons fairly effectively once I was a child.”
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Having entered the event at world No.41, Thompson now sits at No.37 within the ATP stay rankings and enters a second profession assembly towards Shang with the chance to avenge a loss to the 19-year-old within the first spherical of Indian Wells earlier this yr.
Additional motivation may come from Shang’s quarterfinal win over Max Purcell, with whom Thompson has additionally thrived in doubles this yr.
At Wimbledon, the Australian duo held three championship factors within the males’s doubles closing, with Finland’s Harri Heliovaara and Brit Henry Patten claiming a come-from-behind victory.
Thompson, who showcased his velocity across the courtroom and a few deft internet play towards Davidovich Fokina, believes doubles has contributed to his singles rise.
“That is the primary season that I’ve actually determined to offer doubles a crack. I feel it’s simply nice on your abilities in singles,” he associated in an on-court interview.
“It makes the courtroom look larger whenever you’re returning, in order that’s positively a plus. And clearly that you must volley in doubles, so it helps up at internet.”’
Purcell and Thompson have been quarterfinalists in Atlanta, with Swedish-Dutch duo Andre Goransson and Sem Verbeek advancing to the semifinals by way of a walkover.
It means the No.4 seed is absolutely centered on his semifinal task with Shang, a qualifier in Atlanta this week.
“Jerry is only a actually, actually good participant, left-hander, younger fella, and he’s developing,” mentioned Thompson.
“He appears like he’s received nothing to lose, and he’s taking part in that manner.”
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