Jordan Thompson‘s gradual step-by-step development has won a fan in Kei Nishikori but the Sydney baseliner faces the biggest test of his blossoming career against the world No.5 on Friday.
Thompson is the last Australian left in the Brisbane International after making the most of his wildcard and will meet the nimble Japanese third seed in his maiden ATP quarterfinal on Pat Rafter Arena.
The 22-year-old is ranked 74 spots lower than Nishikori but gives himself a solid chance of producing a second straight upset following his stirring second-round triumph over eighth-seeded David Ferrer.
Thompson outlasted the wily Spanish veteran in two hours and 44 minutes, outpointing him at the death in a series of tense marathon rallies.
A four-tournament victor on the Challenger tour last year, he will need to do the same against rabbit-like Nishikori, who is among the fastest and best movers on the ATP tour.
But Nishikori is wary of the threat, especially as Thompson has been able to display composure, consistency and confidence in his wins over Ferrer and Swede Elias Ymer.
“I think it was great match against David. I think he’s playing great, great tennis,” he said.
“We (have) practised together many times. He has great serve and very steady from the groundstrokes. He doesn’t miss much. I think it’s gonna be many long rallies. It’s not gonna be easy.”
While Thompson played at the Olympics last year, he only has five match wins on the ATP tour after taking his time to progress from the juniors to Futures to making a name for himself on the Challenger tour.
“I think it’s great for tennis,” Nishikori said. “It’s great to see someone like that.”