‘Absurd’: Jordan Thompson slays giants to win Los Cabos Open

Australia has a new ATP champion after Jordan Thompson claimed a stunning victory to take out the Los Cabos Open.

Jordan Thompson has claimed the Los Cabos Open title, defeating world No. 12 Casper Ruud in straight sets to claim his first ATP Tour title.

The 29-year-old Sydneysider is set to rise to a career high world No. 32 after the victory, having defeated both world No. 6 Alexander Zverev in the semi-final and now Ruud to claim the trophy.

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It was far from easy for Thompson to claim the title, needing eight match points to defeat Zverev in the semi over three hours and 40 minutes.

Even in the quarterfinal against American Alex Michelsen, Thompson was down 6-0 4-1 before coming back to win in three sets 0-6 7-6 7-5.

But Thompson had a much easier time in the final, claiming the 6-3 7-6 victory in just over two hours against the three-time grand slam finalist and former world No. 2.

Thompson fired seven aces to Ruud’s zero and took his chances when given, converting all three of his break point chances, while the Norwegian could only convert two of 13.

Jordan Thompson celebrates the victory. Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP

It’s been a long time coming for Thompson, who turned pro in 2013 and has been hovering in the world’s top 100 since 2016.

“It’s been an incredible week,” Thompson, said.

“I spent some serious hours on the court this week, and I want to thank everyone for staying up late last night and throughout the week. The crowd was amazing.

“It’s been a journey. I’m nearly 30 and I’m lifting a trophy; I never thought I would do that.”

He also couldn’t help himself but roast his vanquished rival.

“I just asked Casper if he could speak Spanish and he told me not very well … so I think he’s full of s**t,” Thompson said.

Ruud released a video with Rafael Nadal in 2022 where the Spaniard revealed he would return to tennis via an exhibition tournament through South America and the pair spoke in Nadal’s native tongue.

But it was Thompson who left the world in disbelief after almost bowing out in the quarters before coming back to go all the way.

What an absurd tournament from Jordan Thompson.

0-6, 1-4 15-40 down two days ago
Beats Zverev in 3h40 yesterday
Wins the title beating Ruud in the final.

Wow.

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 25, 2024

Jordan Thompson won this tournament. pic.twitter.com/bStXjbYaJb

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 25, 2024

Jordan Thompson did it in Los Cabos - improbable and amazing pic.twitter.com/dVK5XNf2SM

— Liv // 🌞 (@eurovisionmate) February 25, 2024

Jordan Thompson is top 20 calibre. Actually if Tsitsipas was top 10 Jordan can definitely get top 10

— Tay 9 (@tay9_afc) February 25, 2024

Jordan Thompson is 29 years of age. He wins his first title in Los Cabos tonight, so well deserved.

He lost the first 9 games against Alex Michelsen early in the tournament and saved 3 match points in that match.

— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates24) February 25, 2024

Jordan Thompson is an ATP Tour winner. Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP

The win earns Thompson over $A212,000 but will likely earn the Aussie a whole lot more as he’s set to take a seeding into the French Open.

With just 192 rankings points to defend between now and the start of the Roland Garros tournament, he could be well placed to earn plenty of points at the tournament, even if he can match his best ever run in France and make the third round.

He was absent last year and would gain points. He’ll also earn at least 69,000 euros ($A114,000) for just playing in the first round of the French Open — but it could be more as the 2024 prize money break down hasn’t been released yet.

Originally published as ‘Absurd’: Jordan Thompson slays giants to win Los Cabos Open