Australia’s Jordan Thompson has shocked men’s world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas with a three-set win in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event in California.
Key points:
- Thompson triumphed 7-6 (7/0), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5)
- It is his second career win over a top-10 player
- Fellow Australian Jason Kubler also advanced to the next round
He was joined in the third round by compatriot Jason Kubler, who advanced after 21st seed Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire while trailing 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 3-0.
Thompson earned his second career win over a top-10 player with the 7-6 (7/0), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5) victory against second-seeded Tsitsipas.
Tsitsipas had his shoulder taped and the injury appeared to affect his backhand.
Thompson, ranked 87 in the world, took advantage and attacked the Greek’s backhand while charging in on short balls.
He polished off Tsitsipas, the Australian Open runner-up, in two hours and 37 minutes.
“I felt confident, even playing against a top-10 player, I felt comfortable in my own skin and what I was doing, and just snuck out a win,” Thompson said.
“It was a great feeling. You could see it on my face at the end of the match. I was overcome with joy.”
Rain delayed play at Indian Wells Tennis Garden and a few fans jumped into action to help dry the hardcourts.
Men’s number three seed Casper Ruud cruised past Diego Schwartzman 6-2, 6-3. Ruud raced to a 4-1 lead in the first set and won the only break point on his serve with a forehand that clipped the line.
In the Indian Wells women’s draw, number two seed and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka defeated Evgeniya Rodina 6-2, 6-0, while sixth-seeded Coco Gauff routed Cristina Bucsa 6-2, 6-4.
Number nine seed Belinda Bencic lost to Jil Teichmann 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, and Veronika Kudermetova — seeded 11th — defeated Anna Blinkova 6-3, 6-4.
AP/ABC