The 29-year-old Sydneysider is set to rise to a career high world No. 32 after the victory, having defeated both world No. 6 Alexander Zverev in the semi-final and now Ruud to claim the trophy.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

It was far from easy for Thompson to claim the title, needing eight match points to defeat Zverev in the semi over three hours and 40 minutes.

Even in the quarterfinal against American Alex Michelsen, Thompson was down 6-0 4-1 before coming back to win in three sets 0-6 7-6 7-5.

But Thompson had a much easier time in the final, claiming the 6-3 7-6 victory in just over two hours against the three-time grand slam finalist and former world No. 2.

Thompson fired seven aces to Ruud’s zero and took his chances when given, converting all three of his break point chances, while the Norwegian could only convert two of 13.

It’s been a long time coming for Thompson, who turned pro in 2013 and has been hovering in the world’s top 100 since 2016.

After almost bowing out in the quarters, there was disbelief that Thompson had it in him to go all the way.

The win tallies Thompson $212,000 but will likely earn the Aussie a whole lot more as he’s set to take a seeding into the French Open.

With just 192 rankings points to defend between now and the start of the Roland Garros tournament, he could be well placed to earn plenty of points at the tournament, even if he can match his best ever run in France and make the third round.

He was absent last year and would gain points. He’ll also earn at least 69,000 euros ($A114,000) for just playing in the first round of the French Open — but it could be more as the 2024 prize money break down hasn’t been released yet.

More to come …