After an outstanding season, Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson are ready for dessert in Turin | ATP Tour

After an outstanding season, Purcell and Thompson are ready for dessert in Turin

Aussie singles stars and US Open doubles players take on experience at Nitto ATP Finals

November 10, 2024

Earlier this year, Jordan Thompson's thoughts turned to tiramisu in Italy. Or more specifically, enjoying that dessert with fellow Aussie and fellow Sydneysider Max Purcell at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.

Having combined to win four titles this season, including a maiden Grand Slam at the US Open, it is a goal that his Australian counterparts have happily achieved.

“You still have to have tiramisu,” joked Purcell from Turin, where the Australian duo is the No.5 seed. “But yes, we're proud of our efforts this year – we've just stepped up in the big events and there's one event to finish this year.”

The success is especially sweet for the Australians after the heartbreak of giving up three points against Harry Heliovaara and Henry Patten in the Wimbledon final.

“We haven't lost too many games. You know, one point away from winning Wimbledon, three chances there. Come back to the Slam and win the US Open,” said Thompson. “We feel like we're getting better and better as the year goes on.”

Thompson's outstanding year in doubles is matched by a new high in singles, with the Australian rising to career No. 26 after lifting the first trophy in Los Cabos. The 30-year-old noted how success in each discipline supports the other.

“It's been a great year on the court for me and I've played a lot of matches, both singles and doubles, at a high level [ranking] in both, but I think one helps the other,” Thompson explained.

“When I'm at the net in doubles, I feel like my volleys are better in singles. And when I double back, you know I have to get back on track. So it helps to have the singles back because I feel like I have an ocean of space to tap into … just practicing on both.”

Purcell also dominates singles and doubles, making the All-Aussie duo the only pair at the ATP Finals to compete in both sports.

“I mean it can only give us a chance … I think the choice is important,” the 26-year-old said. “Everybody can beat everybody in this kind of format … but the fact that we have more tools than most teams can only help us.

Purcell and Thompson got their campaign off to a successful start on Sunday with a 7-6(1), 6-3 win over Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic in the first match of the prestigious year-end event. Drawn to Mike Bryan's team, Purcell and Thompson will also face Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos, as well as Heliovaara and Patten, in the round-robin.

Purcell competed in only his second event since early September, having undergone surgery on both ankles after representing Australia at the Davis Cup in Valencia. “I definitely feel better than before [the] The US Open and we still got a win there. So I feel that we can be better than that,” he said.

The opportunity to add to his record with a great partner in Thompson provides another boost.

“It's the best feeling ever when I win with Jordan, I mean, I think, you know, and to meet anybody else and win big championships,” Purcell said. “I don't think it will sound the same. I think it's about who you play with and the relationships you have.”

With their sights set on the final major title of 2024, Thompson and Purcell have committed to a doubles reunion next year. “We have no plans to change,” said Thompson. “I mean, we can't, you know, fix what's not broken.”