Jordan Thompson has claimed a stunning maiden ATP tour title by defeating Casper Ruud 6-3 7-6 (4) in Mexico.
The 29-year-old shocked the three-time Grand Slam finalist in Los Cabos to cap a remarkable week for the Australian who toppled former No.1 seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals to book his spot in the decider.
Jordan Thompson wins first career ATP title with victory over Casper Ruud in Mexico
The marathon match against Zverev continued a tough slog to the final for Thompson, who eventually prevailed 7-5 4-6 7-6 (2) after also mounting a brilliant comeback against Alex Michelson in the quarters.
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Things were a lot more straightforward for Thompson against the Norwegian in the final as he raced into a one set lead.
Thompson had the chance to serve the match out but failed in his first attempt which would have no doubt summoned demons of losing in his two previous tour-level finals.
Yet after suffering heartbreak in 2019 and 2023, Thompson held his nerve after the initial disappointment of failing to finish the contest at 5-3 to clinch the trophy and break his drought in a tiebreaker.
A massive serve and forehand winner getting the job done on his first championship point.
Never give up 🏆🥹@CaboTennisOpen | #LosCabosTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/FFSmXgxVkk
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 25, 2024
The Aussie was far too good for Ruud on the night as he claimed 18 of 22 net points, while also repeatedly frustrating his opponent by saving all but two of 13 break points that he faced across the match.
Thompson racked up a total of 12 hours on court during his five matches, with the near four-hour thriller against Zverev particularly taxing.
"I spent so many hours on the court this week," an ecstatic but tired Thompson said post-match.
"In the quarter final 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 a miracle."
Jordan Thompson prize money
Thompson’s win is expected to lift the Aussie to a career-best ranking of 32, lifting him eight places above where he started in the week of the tournament.
The victory will also see him pocket a cool $212,000 a decade after he debuted at his home tournament in Melbourne.