Jordan Thompson scores stunning upset at Sydney International

Jordan Thompson has claimed his first top-50 scalp in more than a year after defeating Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Sydney International.

In what was his biggest win since famously upsetting former world No.1 Andy Murray in 2017, Thompson took full advantage of the out-of-sorts World No.42 to claim a 6-3 6-3 victory.

He advances to a second-round clash against second-seed Daniil Medvedev before a possible re-match against Alex de Minaur, who ousted Thompson in the round of 16 at Brisbane.

Thompson, 24, has never progressed past Sydney’s second round in four attempts.

The world No.72 became the first local through in Sydney after teenager Alexei Popyrin lost a three-set heartbreaker to Martin Klizan.

Popyrin, who also lost his first match in Brisbane last week to de Minaur, came back from one set down and 0-3 in the second on Sunday to force a final set.

Spurred on by a hearty crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena, the 19-year-old pushed the world No.41 to a tiebreaker before eventually falling 7-6 (6-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) in two hours and 41 minutes.

Earlier on Sunday, Australian wildcard hopefuls Christopher O’Connell, Destanee Aiava, Alexandra Bozovic, Abbie Meyers and Maddison Inglis all lost their qualifying matches.

Brisbane product Priscilla Hon was the only local to claim a main draw spot after coming from behind in her all-Australian qualifying match against Kim Birrell to win 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 3-6.

Australia’s top-ranked male, de Minaur, opens his account against Serbian Dusan Lajovic, while No.1 female Ashleigh Barty takes on Jelena Ostapenko on Monday or Tuesday.