Thompson ends Shang’s run in Atlanta, advances to fourth final against Nishioka

Jordan Thompson earned a spot in his fourth ATP final by beating Jerry Shang 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 at the Atlanta Open on Saturday afternoon.

The match was decided on break points in the third set. Thompson served and volleyed Shang’s only chance at 1-1, then volleyed home a winner. The Australian eventually converted his second opportunity at 4-3 before serving for the game winner later.

“I feel like my style of play requires me to be versatile,” Thompson said. “I have to throw players off balance and show them different aspects every time. I felt like it was time to serve and volley. I hit a pretty good serve and had to play a tough volley, but I did it and I never looked back, really.”

Shang was looking to reach his first ATP final, but it was still a banner week for the 19-year-old Chinese player. He won a total of five matches, thanks to qualifying, including a win over top seed Ben Shelton.

“His ball striking is unbelievable,” Thompson praised. “I feel like he can hit a winner from anywhere on the court. I have to be careful and make sure my movements are precise. Luckily, movement is probably one of my strong points. Sometimes I can defuse a situation, but today it was just a point here or there.”

The 30-year-old has a chance to claim his second ATP title, his second of the year. He had already triumphed in February at the ATP 250 hard-court event in Los Cabos, where he eliminated Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals and Casper Ruud in the final. He is now just one win away from a second title as a champion, with Yoshihito Nishioka standing in his way.

“An ATP title is not nothing,” Thompson said. “I only have one. I’ve said it before: players go their whole career without playing a final. To play in another final… I hope I can go all the way, but I won’t take it for granted.”