TENNIS: Jordan Thompson pushed Alexander Zverev to the limit before the world No.8 escaped with a tense three-set victory in Washington DC.

Thompson rallied from 4-1 down in the third set before edging ahead 5-4 in the final tiebreak; Zverev ultimately ran out a 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) winner.

Earlier on Wednesday in the US capital, Aussie lucky loser Marc Polmans fell 6-2 6-3 to American Jared Donaldson.

Thompson retrieved admirably yet also surprised an erratic Zverev with his ability to sneak into the net, showing off his quick reflexes and soft hands.

Yet trailing 6-4 3-2, the No.5 seed clicked into gear, putting more pop on his shots and reeling off seven games in a row to seemingly put the result beyond doubt at 3-0 in the third.

Thompson had other ideas, breaking serve in the seventh game of the final set against the tide and engaging the German in protracted rallies.

The Stadium Court crowd were thrilled as the match progressed to a final set tiebreak, and after falling behind 2-0, Thompson again rebounded, scoring a mini-break to lead 5-4.

With two serves to come on his racquet, Thompson blinked, finding the net with a backhand and then coughing up his first double fault of the match to hand Zverev a match point.

Zverev converted when he stretched Thompson out wide and forced a forehand error.

10th seeded Aussie Nick Kyrgios received a bye in the first round before facing Tennys Sandgren for a place in the top 16 to Wednesday afternoon.

Kyrigios was losing 6-3 3-0 to the world No.106 American when he was forced to retire from the match with a shoulder injury. 

Tennis Australia/olympics.com.au