Thompson matches Federer feat with huge Murray upset

Jordan Thompson has put his name down alongside all-time tennis great Roger Federer with his stunning upset of world No.1 Andy Murray at Queen's.

The Australian defeated Murray 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in the first round of the London tournament overnight to throw the Scot's Wimbledon plans into disarray.

Thompson only learned he would play Murray four or five hours before they took the court, having lost to Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in qualifying.

PAT CASH'S CALL: Only one man can beat Federer at Wimbledon

But that didn't worry the world No.90 as he became the first man since Federer in 2015 to hold every service game against Murray, who has played 117 matches since the start of 2016 alone.

Considered the best returner in the game, the three-time grand slam champion Murray was undone by a 23-year-old player yet to make it to the third round of any major.

"I played really well, served great. got a lot of free points and gave myself every opportunity in the rallies and didn't make too many errors," Thompson said.

"I signed in for the lucky loser spot and there weren't too many matches yesterday, but I hung around. If someone was going to pull out, I was always going to be there. I knew I was the next one in.

FIT AGAIN: The trend helping Kokkinakis bounce back

"When I got here, someone pulled out, and I got to play Andy. When I heard I was playing Andy, I was pretty nervous. I just wanted to go out there and enjoy it. I warmed up, had some food, and got ready to go out there."

Murray was practising when he discovered Thompson was his opponent, with his next few hours spent watching footage of the Australian and running through a new plan with his team.

The Scot lauded Thompson for his performance, saying he "played better than me" and "served big".

"I had the chance to break early (in the second set), I had love-40 and missed a couple of returns," Murray said.

"I missed quite an easy forehand down on the third break point.

"He converted his chances and in the last couple of games he played very well."

Thompson, who was ranked as high as No.69 in February, was last week playing in the final of a challenger tour event in south-west London.

Acknowledging that it was a rough day at the office for Murray, who had won three of the last four Queen's titles and Wimbledon in 2016, the Australian was in no doubt about what the win meant to him.

"Beating the world No.1 and a grand slam champion, and beating him on grass at Queen's, yeah, it's definitely ranked No.1," Thompson said.

Thompson now faces American Sam Querrey in the second round on Thursday.

withAAP