LOS CABOS/WASHINGTON, February 25, 2024 (by Michael Dickens)
After Jordan Thompson saved three match points to win his quarterfinal match, then beat the top seed in three hours and 40 minutes in the semifinals the next day, what was the Aussie to do for an encore?
How about winning his first ATP Tour singles title and follow it by winning the doubles title, too!
That’s been the story of Thompson’s past 72 hours – and it’s why, without a doubt, Los Cabos has become his favorite city. Certainly, in Mexico if not the entire world.
On Saturday night, the 29-year-old Thompson from Sydney won his maiden ATP Tour singles title in his third tour-level final by defeating World No. 12 Casper Ruud of Norway, 6-3, 7-6 (4), in two hours and two minutes to capture the ATP 250 Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo in Los Cabos, Mexico.
The moment @jordanthommmo2 won his first ATP Title!@CaboTennisOpen | #LosCabosTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/acPYwFbIUk
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 25, 2024
Thompson’s dramatic run to the title in Los Cabos, at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, included three singles and two doubles matches that occupied him for about 12 hours on court at the Cabos Sports Complex in the last three days.
First, Thompson saved three match points against American Alex Michelsen in coming back from 6-0, 3-0 down in the quarterfinals to win 0-6, 7-6 (1), 7-5, in two hours and 39 minutes.
Then, he fought past World No. 6 and top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany to win, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2), in three hours and 40 minutes, in a semifinal match that finished after 1 a.m. Saturday. It was his fourth career Top 10 triumph. “It was just a great match,” Thompson said of his win over Zverev.
“I competed until the end and I really don’t know what to say. I’m pretty tired.”
THOMPSON’S TIME 🕕@jordanthommmo2 outlasts top seed Zverev 7-5 4-6 7-6(2) after 3h40m & moves into the Los Cabos final!#LosCabosTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/y7MTp5DxF5
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2024
Next, Thompson used his big serve to beat Ruud in the singles final. He struck seven aces, won 80 percent of his first-serve points and outpointed Ruud 82-63. Thompson converted all three of his break-point opportunities, saved 11 of 13 he faced from Ruud, and closed with a forehand winner on his first championship point.
“I spent so many hours on the court this week,” Thompson quipped afterward. “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.”
With his title victory, Thompson became the fifth first-time champion on the ATP Tour this year. He will reach a career-high No. 32 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday, an increase of eight spots from which he started the week.
Meanwhile, Ruud (8-2 this season) dipped to 10-9 in tour-level finals and it was his first loss to a player outside the Top 25 this season. The loss also kept him from returning to the Top 10.
Never give up 🏆🥹@CaboTennisOpen | #LosCabosTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/FFSmXgxVkk
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 25, 2024
After securing the singles title, Thompson’s night and early Sunday morning was just warming up. That’s because Thompson was still alive in doubles with fellow Australian Max Purcell. First, the fourth-seeded Aussie duo wrapped up their semifinal with a 7-6 (1), 6-3 win over Ruud and William Blumberg of the United States, in one hour and 20 minutes.
Then, it was on to the final against Gonzalo Escobar of Ecuador and Aleksandr Nedovyesov of Kazakhstan and the Australians prevailed 7-5, 7-6 (2), in an hour and 38 minutes, combining to hit five aces while converting two of six break points. They outpointed their opponents 72-64.
FIRST TITLE FOR THOMMO 🏆@jordanthommmo2 takes down three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud 6-3 7-6(4) to be crowned the @CaboTennisOpen champion. pic.twitter.com/R4MoBBjCVD
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) February 25, 2024
It was the third ATP Tour doubles title as a team for Thompson and Purcell and their second this season following their earlier success this month in Dallas.
“My favorite place now, without a doubt,” said Thompson of Los Cabos.
After all, Thompson had just won two trophies and earned total prize money of $163,370 — plus 250 ATP points each for singles and doubles.
Thompson on 🔝 🏆@jordanthommmo2 claims his maiden ATP Tour title defeating Ruud 6-3 7-6(4) at #LosCabosTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/womTwiK2UR
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 25, 2024
By the numbers
Jordan Thompson became the first player since Nick Kyrgios in 2022 at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. to win the singles and doubles title at the same ATP Tour event.
“Quotable …”
“My favorite place now, without a doubt!”
— Jordan Thompson of Australia, speaking of tournament host city Los Cabos, after winning the Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo.
