Scottish tennis has a new poster boy, but humble Jacob Fearnley isn’t having the comparisons with Andy Murray.
The 23-year-old from Edinburgh, who first caught the eye after winning a set against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon last year, has enjoyed a monumental 12 months – rising from world No.646 to 92nd in the rankings. And has now made the Australian Open third round, defeating Frenchman Arthur Cazaux 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 at a rowdy Melbourne Park in a match that was delayed by a heavy rain storm. He had earlier revelled in playing home favourite Nick Kyrgios, as he dumped the former Grand Slam finalist out at the first hurdle.
This time however Fearnley left the court to adulation from Aussies and a few Scottish fans down under, who stayed late into the night to roar him to victory. And one comment from a supporter captured Fearnley’s humble attitude towards his success. After asking for a picture a fan commented: “The next Andy Murray” to which Fearnley replied “I don’t know about that.” He also paused for a picture with a young fan holding a saltire and offered to sign the flag, only to be unable to find anyone willing to share their pen – adding: “I’m so sorry, there’s no pen” before patting the youngster’s hand and heading off the locker rooms to a rendition of his support singing “Jacob Fearnley baby” to the tune of the Human League’s 80s hit ‘Don’t You Want Me’.
The world number 92 has been rewarded with a tie against German second seed Alexander Zverev in the third round, and has already pocketed more than £140,000 in prize-money. Speaking about Murray previously, Fearnley said: “Growing up he was a big inspiration and he was the figure who I watched the most.
“What he has achieved for himself and his country has been amazing, the way he fights on the court and the way he plays has been special to watch. Any tennis player growing up in the UK, and especially Scotland, he is someone we all aspire to be. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps but I know it is a very hard task.”