Atlanta, USA, 27 July 2021 | Leigh Rogers

Atlanta, USA

Jordan Thompson has made an impressive start at an ATP 250 tournament in Atlanta, eliminating eighth seed Lloyd Harris in the opening round.

The 27-year-old Australian scored a 7-6(2) 1-6 6-2 victory against the world No.51-ranked South African.

Thompson hit 10 aces and saved 13 of the 17 break points he faced in the two-hour and 30-minute battle.

It continues an impressive run of form for the world No.63, who has won 12 of his 18 matches since the start of June.

The news isn’t so good for Alexei Popyrin.

American Steve Johnson defeated 21-year-old Popyrin 7-6(4) 6-3 in their first-round clash.

Popyrin has struggled since rising to a career-high ranking of No.61 in May, winning only one of his past nine matches.

Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios has made a promising return from the abdominal injury that derailed his Wimbledon campaign.

The Australian teamed with American Jack Sock in doubles to defeat third seeds Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureski of Pakistan and Divij Sharan of India. They lost only six points on serve in the 50-minute opening-round match.

Aussies in action – Atlanta

TODAY’S RESULTS
Men’s singles, first round
Jordan Thompson (AUS) d [8] Lloyd Harris (RSA) 7-6(2) 1-6 6-2
Steve Johnson (USA) d Alexei Popyrin (AUS) 7-6(4) 6-3

Men’s doubles, first round
[WC] Nick Kyrgios (AUS)/Jack Sock (USA) d [3] Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureski (PAK)/Divij Sharan (IND) 6-1 6-3

COMING UP
Men’s singles, first round
Nick Kyrgios (AUS) v Kevin Anderson (RSA)
[Q] Chris O’Connell (AUS) v Denis Kudla (USA)

Men’s singles, second round
Jordan Thompson (AUS) v [Q] Peter Gojowczyk (GER)

Men’s doubles, first round
[4] Matt Ebden (AUS)/John-Patrick Smith (AUS) v Taylor Fritz (USA)/Cameron Norrie (GBR)
Alexei Popyrin (AUS)/Matt Reid (AUS) v Andre Goransson (SWE)/Frederik Nielsen (DEN)
Jordan Thompson (AUS)/Steve Johnson (USA) v Nathaniel Lammons (USA)/Jackson Withrow (USA)

Men’s doubles, quarterfinals
[WC] Nick Kyrgios (AUS)/Jack Sock (USA) v TBC