First-time Winner Spotlight: Jordan Thompson

Mextenis

Jordan Thompson powered to a dream double on Saturday in Los Cabos, where the Australian lifted both the singles and doubles titles at the Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo.

The 29-year-old’s final win against Casper Ruud at the hard-court ATP 250 earned him his maiden ATP Tour singles crown. ATPTour.com caught up with Thompson in the aftermath of his triumphs to reflect on his achievement.

What does it mean to you to win your first ATP Tour title?
It means the world. I grew up wanting to play on the ATP Tour and never thought I’d be lifting a champion’s trophy. Actually it hasn’t sunk in yet, but it’s one of the best moments of my career, if not the best.

Did you feel the trophy was coming with your recent form? How much confidence were you playing with given your early results this season?
No. I wouldn’t have thought I’d be a champion, especially at this tournament which was so strong with a lot of Top 10 players here. I just took it one match at a time and ended up playing some great tennis. I never thought I’d be lifting the trophy, that’s for sure.

How did your previous ATP Tour finals, in 's-Hertogenbosch in 2019 and 2023, help you achieve this result?
It made me treat it just as another match. I think maybe I placed too much emphasis on the other ones. Also probably at that point in time, I thought ‘these chances aren’t going to come around too often’. But I dealt with it much better today and just played tennis.

Could you take a moment to acknowledge some of the key figures in your life and career who have helped you to reach this milestone?
Obviously my parents. The sacrifices they made to help me become a tennis player. My mum always waiting in the car for me at training, my dad putting in the hours for private lessons. They both drove me to tournaments, had to deal with me my whole life. It probably wasn’t easy.

Then all my coaches for sure. Marinko Matosevic in particular at the moment, I think he’s really helped with my game. Des Tyson was I think one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He built a solid foundation, and we’ve gone from strength to strength. My dad has always been in the picture, helping me with my technique and mainly my serve.

My strength and conditioning coach Tommy. He’s been one of my best mates since we were about five years old. Now he’s my strength and conditioner and has been for about seven or eight years. It’s been incredible to work with every one of those guys and I’m getting stronger and fitter, and older unfortunately!

You started playing tennis when you were four years old. When did you first start to dream about winning titles on the ATP Tour?
I don’t know if I ever dreamt of winning titles, I just wanted to hit the ball. In the back yard we had a wall, and I was out there for hours just hitting against the wall, pretending I was playing all the best players. I always thought I’d be playing Lleyton Hewitt, or Nikolay Davydenko, or Marat Safin, against the wall. I just wanted to compete.

Never give up 🏆🥹@CaboTennisOpen | #LosCabosTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/FFSmXgxVkk

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 25, 2024

You were very focused on the court this week. How different is your off-court personality from what we see between the lines?
I can get pretty cranky on the court, but I’ve been getting better. It helps over long matches, when you haven’t got enough energy to complain and moan. I guess if I’m not doing anything competitive, I never really get out of first gear, but if I’m doing something competitive I’m full throttle.

You spent a lot of time on the court this week, but when you did have free time to yourself, how did you spend it?
Me and Tommy played a lot of FIFA this week. It honestly didn’t feel like we had much down time, playing singles and doubles. Sleeping late and feeling like we were getting up and warming up out here straight away. So any time we had spare we played a bit of FIFA.

You said Lleyton Hewitt was your idol growing up and you’ve had the chance to play for him representing Australia. Has he been in touch this week and what have you learned from him in recent years?
He’s another one who was so influential on my career, I mean, I’m going to forget so many people. He was my idol growing up and he’s helped me so much throughout my career. He’s always been there and he’s been talking to me during the week. He gave me a chance to play Davis Cup and every time if I’ve asked him to practise or need to ask him a question, he’s always been there. I can’t thank him enough.

How will you celebrate this milestone moment in your career?
I’ll probably just get to bed!