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Jordan Thompson soaked up all of the love, banged down a lot of the aces and performed one hell of a match – however Australia’s new-look tennis star nonetheless felt the identical outdated sinking feeling that everybody will get on Centre Court docket in opposition to the nice Novak Djokovic.
On Wimbledon’s most fabled stage for the primary time, the famously hirsute ‘Tommo’, all spruce, shaved and youthful for his principal debut, produced nearly essentially the most vibrant efficiency he might have hoped for, firing down 21 aces in opposition to the best returner within the sport’s historical past.
But even with the group actually warming to the Sydneysider – whereas evidently getting beneath 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.
But the 29-year-old, whose serve-and-volley techniques fairly didn’t unruffle the champ, nonetheless felt it had been a “privilege and an honour” to play the person he believes may very well be one of the best of all-time on the most important stage.
“Did my greatest. He’s an unbelievable participant,” shrugged Thompson.
“I received damaged twice however to be trustworthy I didn’t actually get a glance in on his serve, couple of deuce video games 30-alls, in all probability depend them on one hand. It was a very good efficiency however he was fairly dominant.”
He got here closest to to success in a good second set.
“So shut, however to this point,” he shrugged.
“I solely hit two double faults within the match and one in every of them was within the tiebreak that gave him the lead. That’s why he’s one of the best, he simply clutches up.
“However I believe I served very effectively, don’t suppose too many guys have gotten over 20 aces in opposition to him, in order that’s a delightful stat, however I used to be nonetheless damaged twice, crushed in straight units.
“It felt the group had been actually behind me. One individual didn’t be taught their lesson, yelling out ‘(his nickname) ‘Nole!’, then a few thousand again shouting my identify. It was enjoyable to be part of.”
Djokovic didn’t look greatest happy on the one-sided nature of the assist.
“Rafa (Nadal), Roger (Federer) they’re beloved; Novak’s extremely, extremely revered,” stated Thompson, stating the distinction.
“However 23 grand slams, I can see why he’s the best of all occasions and the main grand slam titleist. It (the group response) may very well be irritating for him, however I reckon I’d relatively be in his footwear.
“After I play, I really feel like I get a good bit of crowd assist, and I don’t know the place it comes from.
“I don’t know if it’s the previous moustache, being an Australian in England, or the way in which I in the past about issues, however it’s at all times pleasing to get a little bit of crowd assist.
“However no-one’s recognised me since I had a haircut and a shave. Even the fellows I’m enjoying in opposition to – I simply joke again that I’m a brand new man, enjoying the juniors.
“However it was a privilege and an honour at this time. I’d at all times needed to be on the market on Centre Court docket as a child, everybody does. I keep in mind watching Lleyton (Hewitt) in winter time, earlier than faculty would begin, and I believed I wish to be there sooner or later.”
‘Tommo’ received his want – and he definitely didn’t let himself down.
– AAP