Aussie battler claims huge scalp in Wimbledon prep

Aussie Jordan Thompson will play his first ATP 500 semi final after cruising past Taylor Fritz at the Queen’s Club Championship.

Thompson sent down nine aces and didn’t face a single break point on his way to the 6-4. 6-3 win – his second over a top-15 opponent in a week.

Thompson, ranked No.43, came into the Wimbledon warm-up tournament on a five-match losing streak dating back to April.

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He ended that streak with a three-set win over No.15 Holger Rune, before Andy Murray retired injured from their second-round match.

“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 post-match.

“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.”

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It’s the 30-year-old’s 10th win over a top-15 player. It moves him into his seventh ATP semi final, but the first at the 500 level.

Of his seven semi final appearances, five of them have been on grass. This win could push him back into the top-40 ahead of Wimbledon.

Countryman Rinky Hijikata was within a set of joining him in the semis, but fell 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 to Sebastian Korda.

Thompson will next face Lorenzo Musetti, who beat British wild card Billy Harris 6-3, 7-5.