As the Australian Open heats up, all eyes are on Britain’s rising youth Jacob Fearnley, who is set to make his debut at this prestigious Grand Slam. The 23-year-old Scot prepares for an electric climate by facing the enigmatic Nick Kyrgios in the first round.
Fearnley’s meteoric rise up the ATP rankings has propelled him into the world’s top 100, a testament to his talent and determination after turning professional last season. The draw pitted him against Kyrgios, a player known for his controversial antics and electrifying play, who returns to the Australian Open after a two-year break due to injury.
Although this is Fearnley’s first outing in Melbourne, he arrives with a wealth of experience, having pushed Novak Djokovic to his limits by managing to take a set from him at Wimbledon last year.
Born in July in Scotland and raised in Dalkeith, just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh, Fearnley was introduced to tennis at a young age by his late grandparents. His tennis journey began in their garden and blossomed at Merchiston Castle, a boys’ boarding school in Edinburgh, where he honed his skills as a junior player.
Read more:
Alex Michelsen pays moving tribute to mother Sondra after surprising Stefanos Tsitsipas at Australian Open opener
At 15, Fearnley was already a highly ranked junior, sharing the court with future stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. He even managed to beat players who would eventually triumph in Grand Slams. His growing reputation allowed him to train alongside tennis legend Roger Federer at the Championships when he was just 17 years old.
Read more:
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek express solidarity with California after Australian Open victories
Choosing an alternative path, Fearnley opted for a university education at Texas Christian University in the United States. Combining studies and sports, he earned a degree in kinesiology, saying attending college was “the best decision I ever made.” Despite setbacks due to injuries during his college career, he left his mark by winning a national championship.
His real breakthrough came during the grass court season upon his return to the UK. Competing as a qualifier, he triumphed over compatriots Dan Evans, Billy Harris and Charles Broom to win his first ATP Challenger Tour title in Nottingham, earning a wildcard for Wimbledon in the process.
Since his memorable stint at Wimbledon, Fearnley has continued his successful run on the Challenger circuit, winning three of his last four events. This remarkable form propelled him into the top 100 and earned him a coveted place on Great Britain’s Davis Cup team.
Reflecting on his journey, Fearnley told the Press Association in October: “It’s obviously come quicker than I expected, but I’ve put in a lot of hard work, so it’s no surprise to have reached this level. I’m really happy with my progress, and I’m trying to stay focused on the moment.”
Now, as he prepares to face Kyrgios, Fearnley is expecting a particularly tough atmosphere. “It’s not a match you want to see in Australia. I know the crowd will be against me. But it’s an exciting draw and a unique opportunity. I’ve faced hostile environments before, and although the crowd is big, I just have to ignore all the negativity and focus on my game.”
He added: “While it is crucial for me to focus on my performance, I also want to savor this incredible experience. It is the start of my career, and facing a player like Kyrgios is a remarkable opportunity. I am aiming to enjoy it while aspiring to even greater achievements in the future.”
