BNP PARIBAS OPEN

March 10, 2023

Jordan Thompson

Press Conference

J. THOMPSON/S. Tsitsipas

7-6, 4-6, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations, Jordan. How does it feel after such a dramatic match?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Yeah, it feels great. Tricky match point. The ball was only just out but I think it was more relief that it went out.

Yeah, it was a great feeling. You could see it on my face at the end of the match. I was overcome with joy.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. A question about the biggest upsets of your career. Which upset gives you the best emotions between Andy Murray in 2017 and now against Tsitsipas?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Yeah, actually couldn't tell you the difference. Yeah, both probably equal. That day against Andy Murray was probably a little bit unexpected because I was a Lucky Loser. Yeah, happened just to play an unbelievable match and I wasn't even supposed to be in the draw.

Today was a little bit different. You know, I have been on a bit of run of matches. I felt confident, even playing against a top-10 player I felt comfortable in my own skin and what I was doing, and just snuck out a win.

It feels unbelievable as well. Yeah, two of my favorite victories.

Q. You both bring a lot of energy to your tennis. Tell me about the emotions you bring when you're playing a match with a first-set tiebreaker and then a decisive tiebreaker?

JORDAN THOMPSON: I think a third-set tiebreaker is a little bit more nerve-racking. The first tiebreaker, you know, I won seven points in a row. I guess caught him while he was napping.

I knew that wasn't going to be the case in the third set. It was a tight match. It was over two and a bit hours. I think when it comes down to a third-set tiebreaker I don't think the third one is going to be a 7-Love one either.

Yeah, hung tough. I think it did get to 5-All and won the last two points, and he only just missed two forehands. Could have gone either way, and thankful it went my way.

Q. More on that third-set breaker, he's pumping up the crowd, waving his arms around, there's a bunch of Greek flags. Also some Aussie voices in the crowd. What's in your head? Are you tuning in on people yelling your name or tuning out the people cheering for him?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Yeah, I actually started laughing when he was doing that. Not that it was funny that he was doing it. It's more the fact that, you know, we probably want to be in those situations.

The same thing happened last year in the quarterfinals of Davis Cup. I think I was serving for the match 5-3 in the third set against Griekspoor, and the crowd started going nuts. I actually started smiling as well. I want to be in these positions. I'm enjoying the battle. It's probably better to be that way than not.

Q. I don't know how to put this, but you're Australian, you have to travel from Down Under, I think you're 28 if I have it right, and all these matches, big venues, small venues. Can you share with us your most bizarre story of the years on the tour, anything that you can share with us?

JORDAN THOMPSON: I don't know if anything's really gone too wrong. I mean, for some reason lately my bags go missing. That's quite frustrating. I mean, Davis Cup we did a training week and I think my bags went missing twice. Got back to America, bags went missing again. So lately it's just the bag goes missing and it doesn't allow you to practice.

So if you're not home you can't really change your clothes. It's a disaster. Nothing really too bizarre.

Q. Did the bags turn up?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Always, yeah (smiling).

Q. How soon?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Usually within a couple of days. It's not too bad, but if you're preparing for a tournament it is a disaster.

Q. Did it happen here?

JORDAN THOMPSON: No.

Q. Final word on your confidence level after such a big win today going forward. You just won a challenger, right?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Yeah, yeah, a little bit of a slow start to the year. Played a challenger couple weeks ago, won that. You know, I think I won every match in straight sets. It was good to get those matches under my belt.

Then came here and, you know, got a tricky draw. You know, I have come through it, but I think a lot of the matches helped. Just felt comfortable on the match court and got match fit. Yeah, there is no replacement for matches.

Q. The Australian tradition, tennis tradition of course is so rich. Can you just say what's the best part of it, how it really empowers you, helps you as a player?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Not really sure. I mean, I think every Aussie wants to do Australia proud. You know, we can go nuts sometimes. Can assure you always generally the majority of the time we're trying our balls off to win.

And, yeah, I mean, I know when I go out there I give 100% every time. I know I can complain and get a little bit angry but it never stops me from competing my hardest. It's all I want to do. I think generally that's an Australian quality.

Q. Does Lleyton get you going in Davis Cup? Does he fire you up?

JORDAN THOMPSON: Yeah, of course, when he's on the bench, he probably gets more rowdy than we do. Yeah, it's good to know that he still cares and he wants the best for us as well and the best for Australian tennis.