- Jordan Thompson likely to next play Rafael Nadal in Brisbane
- Spanish superstar needs to first beat Aussie Jason Kubler
- Fellow Aussie star Alex de Minaur earlier stunned Novak Djokovic
Aussie baseline battler Jordan Thompson is set for a collision course with Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal after progressing to the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International without lifting a finger.
French fourth-seed Ugo Humbert withdrew from their match on Thursday, reportedly struggling with a bout of gastro.
Thompson joins compatriot James Duckworth in the final eight and will play the winner of Nadal and Jason Kubler.
Meanwhile, fellow Aussie Alex de Minaur won’t be making any brash statements ahead of the Australian Open.
World number 12 De Minaur set tongues wagging on Wednesday night with a 6-4 6-4 triumph over world No.1 Novak Djokovic to guide Australia into the semi-finals of the United Cup.
Jordan Thompson is set for a collision course with Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal after progressing to the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International
Thompson will play the winner of Rafael Nadal (pictured) and fellow Aussie Jason Kubler for a spot in the semi-finals
It ended the Serbian’s stunning 43-game, seven-year winning streak on Australian soil.
The result was in stark contrast to a year ago, when de Minaur was thumped 6-2 6-1 6-2 by Djokovic in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
‘The last time we played I was lucky to get games – to the point where I felt almost embarrassed on the court,’ de Minaur reflected.
‘It’s been a nice little change-up from one year ago. ‘It’s not easy to walk back out on court after you’ve been thrashed last time.’
Wednesday’s triumph over Djokovic – winner of 24 grand slam events – marked the first time de Minaur has beaten a world No.1 in his career.
‘I’m happy I can say I got a win over the GOAT,’ de Minaur said, referring to Djokovic’s status as arguably the men’s game’s ‘greatest of all time’.
‘I’m also happy with where my level is, where I am mentally, and the mindset I’ve got going in.
‘I definitely know that I’ve got a very high top level and I would love to bring it for Melbourne.’
Alex de Minaur delighted the locals in Perth after stunning Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at the United Cup on Wednesday
The 24-time grand slam winner was impressed by De Minaur, declaring he is a ‘great competitor and great fighter’
De Minaur’s on-court speed and agility have long been his major weapons.
But he’s also starting to develop other parts of his game – including power, deft backhand slices and rushing to the net.
De Minaur said part of his motivation for beating Djokovic was to prove the doubters wrong.
‘It’s something I’ve heard my whole career – I’m not big enough, I’m not strong enough, I’m a pusher, don’t have the firepower, never going to be a top player,’ he said.
‘The only thing that does is give me more fire and adds more gasoline to this engine that’s ready to do everything in its power to prove people wrong.’
Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt said the United Cup had been great preparation for ‘Demon’ heading into Melbourne Park.
‘To get these kind of matches under his belt before his home grand slam is really important,’ he said.
‘It gives him the confidence. He’s been working hard….and it’s nice when it pays off.’
