Jordan Thompson soaked up all of the love, banged down many of the aces and performed one hell of a match – however Australia’s new-look tennis star nonetheless felt the identical outdated sinking feeling that everybody will get on Centre Court towards the good Novak Djokovic.
On Wimbledon’s most fabled stage for the primary time, the famously hirsute ‘Tommo’, all spruce, shaved and youthful for his important debut, produced nearly probably the most vibrant efficiency he might have hoped for, firing down 21 aces towards the best returner within the sport’s historical past.
Yet even with the gang actually warming to the Sydneysider – whereas evidently getting underneath the seven-time champion’s pores and skin – Thompson ended up having to confess he hadn’t actually laid a glove on Djokovic, who celebrated his 350th grand slam win with a routine 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 victory.
Yet the 29-year-old, whose serve-and-volley ways fairly did not unruffle the champ, nonetheless felt it had been a “privilege and an honour” to play the person he believes might be the very best of all-time on the largest stage.
“Did my best. He’s an incredible player,” shrugged Thompson.
“I got broken twice but to be honest I didn’t really get a look in on his serve, couple of deuce games 30-alls, probably count them on one hand. It was a good performance but he was quite dominant.”
He got here closest to to success in a decent second set.
“So close, but so far,” he shrugged.
“I only hit two double faults in the match and one of them was in the tiebreak that gave him the lead. That’s why he’s the best, he just clutches up.
“But I believe I served very properly, do not assume too many guys have gotten over 20 aces towards him, in order that’s a lovely stat, however I used to be nonetheless damaged twice, crushed in straight units.
“It felt the crowd were really behind me. One person didn’t learn their lesson, yelling out ‘(his nickname) ‘Nole!’, then about a thousand back shouting my name. It was fun to be a part of.”
Djokovic did not look greatest happy on the one-sided nature of the assist.
“Rafa (Nadal), Roger (Federer) they’re loved; Novak’s highly, highly respected,” mentioned Thompson, declaring the distinction.
“But 23 grand slams, I can see why he’s the greatest of all times and the leading grand slam titleist. It (the crowd reaction) could be irritating for him, but I reckon I’d rather be in his shoes.
“When I play, I really feel like I get a good bit of crowd assist, and I do not know the place it comes from.
“I don’t know if it’s the former moustache, being an Australian in England, or the way I ago about things, but it’s always pleasing to get a bit of crowd support.
“But no-one’s recognised me since I had a haircut and a shave. Even the fellows I’m enjoying towards – I simply joke again that I’m a brand new man, enjoying the juniors.
“But it was a privilege and an honour today. I’d always wanted to be out there on Centre Court as a kid, everyone does. I remember watching Lleyton (Hewitt) in winter time, before school would start, and I thought I want to be there one day.”
‘Tommo’ obtained his want – and he actually didn’t let himself down.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
