Jordan Thompson Overcomes Injury to Reach Wimbledon Fourth Round

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Australian tennis player Jordan Thompson has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time, despite grappling with a back injury that had previously sidelined him. The 31-year-old Thompson, currently ranked World No. 44, showcased his tenacity by playing through 14 grueling sets at the All England Club, achieving this milestone on July 5, 2025.

Thompson's journey to the fourth round has been marked by significant challenges. Following a retirement due to injury in his opening match at the Queen's Club, expectations were tempered as he arrived at Wimbledon. However, his competitive spirit has driven him to overcome these physical hurdles. "I think anyone that knows me knows that, if we’re playing a game of marbles or cards or whatever, I’m competitive. I want to win no matter what. That certainly helps," Thompson stated after his third-round victory.

With a supportive back brace and guidance from Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, Thompson has managed to navigate through a series of demanding matches. He rallied from two sets down against Vit Kopriva in the first round and triumphed over Benjamin Bonzi in a five-set thriller before defeating Luciano Darderi in four sets. These victories not only reflect his skills but also highlight his exceptional ability to perform under pressure.

Lleyton Hewitt, a former World No. 1 and the last Australian man to win the Wimbledon singles title, has played a crucial role in Thompson's campaign. "I’m grateful that Rusty’s there because he’s done everything in tennis. He knows how I’m feeling, so sometimes he’s talking more than my coach," Thompson remarked, acknowledging the importance of Hewitt's experience during this critical phase of his career.

Thompson's upcoming challenge will be a fourth-round match against World No. 5 Taylor Fritz, who is currently on a seven-match winning streak. Fritz has a reputation for excelling on grass courts, having recently secured his fourth Eastbourne crown. Despite Fritz’s formidable record, Thompson remains confident, recalling his previous victory over Fritz at Queen's Club last year. "I’m not going on the court if I don’t think I can win, that’s a pathetic outlook if I go out there thinking I can’t win," he asserted.

Thompson’s ascent in the tournament is not just a personal achievement but also a significant moment in his career, as he has often expressed that grass is his preferred surface. He reached the finals at the ATP 250 event in 's-Hertogenbosch twice, finishing as a runner-up in both 2019 and 2023. "Results have shown that grass is probably my best surface, and it hasn’t shown at Wimbledon so that’s pleasing to get my best result here," Thompson noted, reflecting on his performance amid adversity.

As the tournament progresses, Thompson faces the dual challenge of competing against top-tier opponents while managing his injury. His determination to continue fighting, despite the physical toll, exemplifies the heart and spirit associated with elite athletes. Whether he can extend his run at Wimbledon remains to be seen, but with Hewitt in his corner and a fierce competitive spirit, Thompson's journey has already become a testament to resilience in sports.