Jordan Thompson: Hits Great Form In Time For Wimbledon

Hills tennis star Jordan Thompson showed giant-killing form in the prestigious Queens tournament, which was a near perfect warm up for next month’s Wimbledon championships, despite being beaten in the semifinals.

The 30-year-old Thompson had a great run of form on grass at the right time, despite suffering a back injury during his 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 semifinal loss to Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who had earlier seen off Australian star Alex de Minaur.

However, Thompson told reporters he would be fit for Wimbledon, having decided to skip the Paris Olympics next month due to scheduling complications. A spokesman for his management told AAP that the injury is “nothing serious. A bit of a sore back after a long week in Queen’s so just a little rest and recovery this week, and he’ll be good to go for Wimbledon.”

Thompson stunned No.7 seed Holger Rune, grand slam champion Andy Murray and fourth seed Taylor Fritz enroute to the semifinals at Queens. His form here was a remarkable turnaround after his five-match losing streak.

Now ranked a career-best 39th in the ATP rankings after his recent exploits and second in Australia, Thompson said he is delighted at his progress.

“It’s probably one of the toughest tournaments in the world, so to come through to the semis is extremely pleasing, especially after I’ve had a rough run recently,” Thompson said. “I’m getting old now; it just goes to show that if you stick at it long enough you can keep improving, whatever age you are, and I feel like I’m getting better.”

This was the first time the outstanding Australian player had ever reached a semifinal in an ATP 500 tournament. Thompson said he was sorry to see the great Andy Murray retire hurt during his match. “He is a great champion, a grand slam champion who has won this tournament maybe five times and it is probably one of his favourite courts, so it is disappointing to see,” Thompson said.

“I learned a lot of things from him and it is an honour to share the court with him,” said Thompson, who had also upset the former number one Scot seven years ago.

Speaking about his decision not to play in the Paris Games, Thompson said: “I love representing my country, everybody knows that. “But clay is clearly not my favourite surface. (The Olympics) is back in Europe when the season of tennis is actually in America and getting ready to play the US Open.”

Thompson won his first ATP Masters doubles title in May with American Sebastian Korda, and seems set on making his mark at the Wimbledon which is being held from July 1-14.