Thompson downs Popyrin at Queen's
Jordan Thompson has withstood a late rally from his friend and compatriot Alexei Popyrin to move into the second round at the Queen's tournament in London.
Thompson won 6-4 6-4 in 90 minutes, but had to work harder than expected after Popyrin saved four match points when serving at 1-5 down in the second set.
The all-Australian clash was a late addition to the programme after Thompson's original opponent, Milos Raonic, had to withdraw with a shoulder complaint. The luckless Canadian, once No.3 in the world, had only just returned to the tour after nearly two years out with a series of injuries.
Thompson said he had barely an hour's notice that he was playing Popyrin, but added "we know about each other, and the way he plays is not a huge adjustment to Raonic. It can throw you off a little bit but thankfully didn't today."
Thompson was fresh off reaching the final in s'Hertogenbosch and began like a man in form.
"It's tough playing another Aussie and not knowing I was playing him at the start of the day, but I think I dealt with that pretty well," he said.
"I got out to a healthy lead and then he nearly got back in it. It was getting a little bit tight but closing it out was a good feeling."
Thompson now has an 8-2 record on grass this month but will be tested on Wednesday when he faces British No.1 Cameron Norrie on centre court.
"That's incredibly tough," said Thompson. "He's been at the top of the game for a couple years now. He's done well here. I'm sure he feels comfortable on that court. I've played him quite a few times and it always feels like a battle."
The pair have met five times, never on grass, with the world No,13 having a 3-2 edge over No.76 Thompson.
