Australian journeyman Jordan Thompson pulled off the biggest win of his career before slamming the US Open organisers in New York.
Thompson, a 30-year-old from Sydney, stunned world No.7 Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 6-1, 7-5 on Friday (AEST) to advance to the third round at Flushing Meadows.
Thompson is ranked No.32 in the world but had lost all six of his previous Grand Slam matches against top 10 players.
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“That was pretty special,” Thompson told Stan Sport after paying homage to Lleyton Hewitt with his trademark celebration.
“Nice crowd, tough conditions and playing a top 10 opponent – I don’t think I could have played much better.”
But while thrilled with the breakthrough win, Thompson was less pleased with the tournament’s schedule makers.
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His issue was that officials had scheduled his match at the same time as compatriot Chris O’Connell – who also advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over qualifier Mattia Bellucci.
Thompson and O’Connell share Marinko Matosevic as their coach.
Matosevic opted to attend O’Connell’s match while Davis Cup captain Hewitt was courtside support for Thompson.
“Thank the schedule makers for that one,” Thompson said.
“I mean, we have only been working together, and are the only two who have shared a coach, for 20 months, so maybe (Matosevic) should have said it again, but he shouldn’t need to say it again.
“Luckily I had Rusty (Hewitt) there. It’s happened a few times. They just don’t seem to give a shit. Too good. We just have to clap the ATP for that one, or whoever makes the schedule. It’s happened like four or five times. They should be (aware) but it feels like they just don’t care.”
Thompson hit 13 aces and 36 winners against Poland star Hurkacz.
“It was pretty impressive, even if I say so myself,” he quipped.
“I returned really well. The guy’s one of the best servers in the world, if not the best, so it’s pretty pleasing to see how many returns I put in the court.”
His third round opponent is 30th seed Matteo Arnaldi of Italy.
“It’s an opportunity for both of us, there’s no denying that,” Thompson said.
“He’s been playing good tennis, he made semis at a Masters a few weeks ago (in Montreal), so it will another tough battle.
“It’s great today, but it doesn’t guarantee anything moving forward.
“I’ve just to put the head down and hopefully go back to work and do a good job.”
O’Connell, meanwhile, has the daunting challenge of world No.1 Jannik Sinner in the third round.