The final edition of the ATP 250 Atlanta Open has been won by Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka to deny Jordan Thompson his second title of 2024, defeating the Aussie 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2.
Having already won his maiden ATP title in Los Cabos at the end of February, the 30-year-old failed to add to his trophy cabinet.
Up against a tricky opponent in the form of Nishioka, the Sydneysider claimed the first set 6-4 after a near-flawless serving display ensured one hand on the title.
On serve at 4-5 in the following set, a 90-minute rain delay suspended play until both players returned to play three points, only for the wet conditions to return.
Over four hours later, play resumed in favour of Nishioka who benefited from the switch in momentum to grab the tiebreak and send the final into a decider.
A double break helped Nishioka claim a three-set victory, moving him up to world No.50 in the live rankings.
For Thompson, it presents as a missed opportunity to achieve a career-high ranking of No.29 in the world. He picks up +8 rankings spots to sit at '33' live.
Prior to the Olympics, he explained his decision to withdraw from the Paris Games to instead focus on vital ranking points.
"I love representing my country, everybody knows that," said Thompson who has a tattoo of the Olympic rings on his right bicep.
"But clay is clearly not my favourite surface. (The Olympics) is back in Europe when the season of tennis is actually in America and getting ready to play the US Open.
"It's a pretty easy decision for me. I'd probably have to stay in Europe and play on clay if I really wanted to give the Olympics a fair crack.
"But I'm defending points from having reached the quarter-finals in Washington last year, and I'm trying to get seeded at a Grand Slam."
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