Jordan Thompson has celebrated "definitely the biggest win of my career" after stunning world No. 1 Andy Murray in the opening round of the Aegon Championships at Queen's Club, where he had been expecting to watch close mate and former doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis play Milos Raonic on centre court.
Those plans to support his fellow Australian went out of the window when his phone rang at midday to tell him that he'd be on court himself later that afternoon against the world No.1.
Thompson lost to France's Jeremy Chardy in qualifying on Sunday, but he got a reprieve as a lucky loser, after Britain's Aljaz Bedene's late withdrawal, and he took full advantage of his fortune to defeat Murray 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.
"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 of his performance.
"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. 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 acknowledged Thompson, the world No. 90, "played better than me ... that's what happened".
"I didn't create loads of chances, really. I didn't return particularly well. He served big. He served well."
Thompson, who reached No. 69 in the world rankings in February, acknowledged he caught Murray on a bad day.
"I think it's clear he wouldn't have had his best day today," Thompson said.
"He made a couple of loose errors he usually wouldn't make. I think he just puts it down to he had a rough day at the office."
"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 faces American Sam Querrey in the second round on Thursday.