Turin 2024 Grupos Koolhof Mektic Purcell Thompson | Nitto ATP Finals

Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson had a stellar debut this Sunday at the Nitto ATP Finals, defeating third seeds Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic 7-6(1), 6-3 to become provisional leaders of the Mike Bryan Group. The Australians, debutants in the tournament that closes the season, faced the size of the stage to shake their fists at the Inalpi Arena in Turin.

Los aussies They seek to put the cherry on top of a sensational season on the circuit in Piedmont. Purcell and Thompson have established themselves as a couple in 2024, winning four titles head-to-head including their first Grand Slam crown at the US Open.

“It’s been fantastic. From the beginning we were ready to compete,” Thompson said. “We feel happy to be here [en las Nitto ATP Finals] so it was very satisfying. It’s good to debut this way. Starting with a win, the situation couldn’t be more positive.”

Against highly experienced rivals, two figures who were world No. 1 in the doubles specialty, Thompson and Purcell immersed themselves in a match of pure concentration. The Australians achieved a first set that was a test by fire, clearly winning a set without breaks in the tiebreaker.

“[El servicio] It’s going to be key this week,” Purcell said. “I feel like the tracks aren’t as fast. We found our shots and saved service turns quickly, putting constant pressure on our rivals. We didn’t get any breaks in the first set, but we got three in the second set. “That shows that we put pressure on and had opportunities.”

The Oceanians took advantage of the inertia to open the second set, snatching the first two turns of service from their rivals (3-0) until they gained an advantage that was impossible to recover. Thompson’s quick hands and Purcell’s versatility enabled them to achieve an all-important first victory in Turin.

“In March we said we wanted to be in Turin,” recalled Purcell, who is competing for the first time at the Nitto ATP Finals. “That was our goal, and to finish the year in the Top 10 [del PIF ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings]. “The work is not done yet, hopefully we have four more games here.”

Koolhof and Mektic were unable to take advantage of the winning momentum after conquering Paris-Bercy just a few days ago. The Dutch and Croatian, who accumulated three ATP Masters 1000 titles this season, will need to show their winning spirit to overcome a group stage with the already adverse horizon at the Inalpi Arena.

The first day of the Mike Bryan Group will be completed in the night session. The current finalists Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos will face the debutants Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten, Wimbledon champions this season.