Rising star Jacob Fearnley has hailed a plastered supporter wearing a Scotland shirt who was kicked out during his Australian Open triumph.
The Edinburgh ace reached a Grand Slam third round for the first time on Court 6 in what he called a “crazy atmosphere”. Fearnley, who has recently been compared to Andy Murray, put out home favourite Nick Kyrgios in the John Cain Arena in the first round. Fearnley was booed a parts during the game and the crowd were so lively the match on neighbouring Court 8 had to move.
However Scotland fans took it up a notch down under as he dispatched Arthur Cazaux on Wednesday morning to reach the third round of the Australian Open. The 23-year-old came back from a set down to win the second-round clash 3-1 but there was plenty of rowdy action in the stands.
“It was a crazy atmosphere,” said the Edinburgh star. “I actually didn’t really look at the court before I went on, so when I saw the bar, I was thinking it’s going to be a pretty rowdy atmosphere. Obviously there were some supporters who were extremely drunk, but it was a great atmosphere.
“One fan in a Scotland shirt actually got escorted out at the end. I wanted to see him because he was a really good support! The Kyrgios match was louder, but I was a bit more distant, so it didn’t kind of feel as in my face. Whereas, this one, it feels like you’re face-to-face, and it was pretty loud.”