A decade in the making, an unsung hero’s breakthrough year is just the beginning

“He was playing well, and it seemed like everything was going his way – he was serving at such a high percentage,” Thompson said.

“But in saying that, the game I got broken [in the first set] I just made three loose errors – probably uncharacteristic errors – and it cost me.

“It’s tough, when a guy’s that big and serving that well, just to try and build some rhythm.”

It ends a dream 2024 for Thompson, who spent 11 years toiling on the global circuit showing signs of his promise without truly harnessing his potential.

But his triumph over Nadal, his “childhood idol”, proved the catalyst for a remarkable rise to No.26 in the world.

Come the Brisbane clash with Berrettini, currently ranked No. 34, Thompson was far from his best.

However, for all the animated yelling and gesturing he sent towards his coach’s box, he was willing to mix up his game, changing where he stood near the baseline late as Berrettini went to serve while eagerly attacking the net.

But, as he prepares to face American rising star Alex Michelsen in the Brisbane International’s second round, he pledged his heroics of this year would simply lay the foundation for a more palpable 2025.

Loading

“I hope so, I mean everyone on tour is so good, and it feels like every match is nearly a 50-50 battle,” Thompson said.

“I was playing Berrettini … I don’t know how he’s not seeded. This is one of the strongest tournaments of the year, it always is, so it’s good practice for Melbourne.

“In the last couple of years it’s been my mindset [which has changed]. I’ve been guilty of just being complacent and making balls and just competing and relying on my legs and my wheels to try and make points.

“Now, I’m trying to be more aggressive and take the game on a bit more.”