INDIAN WELLS – Unseeded Australian Jordan Thompson grabbed one of the biggest wins of his career on Friday, ousting third-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas, 7-6 (7/0), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), to reach the third round of the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters.
“It’s unreal at a Masters 1000 ... to have a win like that is incredible,” said Thompson, the world No. 87 whose only prior victory over a top-10 player came back in 2017 against Andy Murray at Queen’s Club.
He admitted he felt a little lucky when a stinging forehand from Tsitsipas on match point was ruled a hair wide. “I’m thankful that last ball was out -- I thought it was in,” Thompson told fans on court.
Women’s second seed Aryna Sabalenka – playing just her second tournament since winning the Australian Open -- moved smoothly into the third round with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Evginiya Rodina.