Jordan Thompson has continued his tremendous 2024 season with a maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final appearance in Paris overnight.
The 30-year-old achieved the feat in his 28th attempt to down French local Adrian Mannarino 7-5 7-6(5) in two hours and 23 minutes.
"It was getting a little bit squeaky out there, but I did well to turn it around from 6-5, 40-15, and I actually found some of my best points and managed to sneak out a win in the tiebreaker," said Thompson post-match.
"It's what we’ve been working towards, these big results at big tournaments."
Rewarded with a career-high ranking of No.25 as per live, Thompson dedicated his impressive form to his doubles success on tour.
"I think the doubles has really helped my reactions. Early in the second set, down a break point, I pulled a half-volley out of nowhere," he explained.
"I feel comfortable at the net, and returning’s a fraction easier."
The good news keeps rolling for the Aussie Olympian, as Ugo Humbert sensationally defeated Carlos Alcaraz in three sets, meaning Thompson will lock horns with another Frenchman.
Joining Thompson in the last-eight is Alex de Minaur, exacting revenge for his US Open quarter-final defeat in September to produce a 5-7 6-2 6-3 comeback victory against Jack Draper.
Although it ensures de Minaur overtakes Andrey Rublev in the race for the ATP Finals, he is still playing down his chances of becoming the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to feature in the singles event.
"You can never say ‘job done’ in the middle of a tournament, that’s not in my DNA," de Minaur said.
"Obviously I’m super-stoked with the win, but I will keep on doing my best, keep on trying to win more matches.
"It took every ounce from me and I am just happy I was able to rally. I’m going to put my body on the line, try my hardest, show my opponent that I can do that all day."
Next up is 13th seed and former tournament winner Holger Rune for a place in the semi-finals.
Elsewhere, Alexei Popyrin was unable to back up his upset win against Daniil Medvedev, going down in straight sets against big-serving Russian Karen Khachanov.
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