LONDON — Jordan Thompson recorded his second victory over a top-15 opponent this week by beating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 to achieve the semifinals on the grass-court Queen’s Membership on Friday.
The Australian capitalized on Fritz’s unforced errors at key moments to notch a profession first: Three tour-level semifinals in a single season.
Thompson, ranked No. 43, got here into the event having not gained a tour-level match since April. He beat No. 15 Holger Rune in three units and Andy Murray retired injured from their second-round match.
“To come back by way of to the semis is basically pleasing, particularly as I’ve had a tough run currently, so glad to show it round on the grass,” Thompson stated in an on-court interview.
“It simply goes to indicate when you stick at it lengthy sufficient you may maintain bettering irrespective of how outdated you’re,” the 30-year-old stated. “I really feel like I am getting higher.”
Thompson will subsequent face Lorenzo Musetti, who beat British wild card Billy Harris 6-3, 7-5.
Regardless of the loss, the 29-year-old Harris will transfer into the highest 150 in subsequent week’s rankings. He is at present 162nd, a profession excessive. He additionally has his Wimbledon debut to stay up for after receiving a wild-card entry this week.
The opposite native participant, Jack Draper, was additionally crushed. Tommy Paul ended Draper’s seven-win streak 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. Draper gained his maiden ATP title in Stuttgart final weekend and knocked out Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday.
Paul’s second profession semifinal on grass will likely be in opposition to fellow American Sebastian Korda, who defeated Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-4.
