LONDON — Australian tennis player Jordan Thompson delivered a brutally honest assessment of his physical condition after retiring from his Wimbledon fourth-round match against Taylor Fritz, admitting he "feels like a p***y" and all but confirming he won’t be fit for the next round.
The 30-year-old, who had been enjoying a career-best run at the All England Club, was forced to withdraw during the second set of his match against Fritz due to a leg injury. Thompson, visibly frustrated, shook hands with the American at 4-6, 3-6, 0-1 down before limping off Court 1 to sympathetic applause.
A Painful Exit
Thompson had been battling through discomfort since the early stages of the match but attempted to push through. However, after slipping during a rally in the third game of the second set, his movement became severely restricted. The injury appeared to be a recurrence of a left leg issue that had troubled him earlier in the tournament.
In a post-match press conference, Thompson didn’t hold back in his self-criticism: "I feel like a p***y out there. It’s embarrassing. I wanted to keep going, but my body just wouldn’t let me."
A Career-Best Run Cut Short
Thompson’s retirement marked the end of a remarkable Wimbledon campaign that saw him reach the fourth round for the first time. His journey included a thrilling five-set victory over 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini and a straight-sets win over rising star Holger Rune.
Despite the disappointment, Thompson acknowledged the positives: "It’s been an unbelievable tournament for me. I’ve beaten some great players, but right now, it’s hard to focus on that when you can’t finish what you started."
Injury Concerns Loom
The Australian’s comments strongly suggested he won’t recover in time for a potential quarterfinal, should he have advanced. His withdrawal means Fritz progresses to the last eight without completing the match.
Thompson’s injury history includes:
- A recurring groin strain that sidelined him earlier this season
- A right ankle issue that required treatment during the French Open
- Persistent knee discomfort that has flared up on grass
Reactions from the Tennis World
Fritz, who was in control of the match before Thompson’s retirement, expressed sympathy for his opponent: "It’s never how you want to win. Jordan’s a fighter, and I hope he recovers soon."
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash weighed in on social media, calling Thompson’s honesty "refreshing but heartbreaking." He added, "Players often hide their pain, but Jordan laid it bare. That takes guts."
What’s Next for Thompson?
With the hardcourt season approaching, Thompson faces a race against time to regain full fitness. His immediate focus will be on rehabilitation, with the US Open just two months away.
Reflecting on his Wimbledon experience, Thompson remained philosophical: "I’ll take the good from this. I proved I belong at this level. Now I just need to get my body right."
Medical staff at Wimbledon confirmed Thompson underwent scans, but the full extent of the injury won’t be known until further assessment. Early indications suggest a muscle strain rather than a tear, which could mean a shorter recovery period.
Conclusion
Jordan Thompson’s raw honesty about his physical struggles resonated with fans and fellow players alike. While his Wimbledon dream ended in frustration, his performances earlier in the tournament signaled a player capable of competing with the best.
As he heads into recovery, the tennis world will be watching to see if he can return stronger. For now, his candid admission—"I feel like a p***y"—stands as a stark reminder of the brutal physical demands of professional tennis.