“A little bit intimidating, but it’s a match that I’m super excited for” – Britain’s Fearnley sets up Djokovic showdown

Ranked No 277 in the world, Fearnley has been an ardent admirer of fellow-Scot Andy Murray

Jacob Fearnley, Eastbourne 2024 Image Credit: Action Plus / Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

July 3, 2024

Wimbledon •Second round • completed

See draw

J. FearnleyvsN. Djokovic

It’s been a whirlwind month for 22-year-old Jacob Fearnley. The Scot won his first ATP Challenger title in Nottingham last month and on Tuesday, he scored his first Grand Slam main draw win after beating Alejandro Moro Canas in the first round of his home fans at Wimbledon.

His reward is a second round clash against seven-time champion Novak Djokovic – a match that he finds himself, simultaneously, intimidated and excited about.

“it’s going to be a little bit intimidating, but it’s a match that I’m super excited for. It’s the biggest match of my career so far. Just to be able to share the court with a player like that will be really special,” Fearnly told the media after his first round victory.

ANDY MURRAY Is the best role model that a British tennis player can have, especially a Scottish player like myself.
Jacob Fearnley

Fearnley, who has studied Djokovic’s game over the years, admitted that he does not find too many flaws in the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s game and is not going to try and put his best foot forward.

“That’s a good question (on how to beat Djokovic). I don’t think many people have the answer to that. I have no idea. I’ve watched so many videos of him. It doesn’t look like there’s many flaws in his game. I’m going to just try and enjoy it, put my game out on the court and see what happens. I don’t think there’s many tactics going into the match.”

Perhaps he should consider reaching out to Andy Murray, the two-time Wimbledon champion and long-time rival of Djokovic, who, like Fearnly, also hails from Scotland. The world No 277 revealed he has always looked up to Murray and tried to take aspects of the former world No 1’s game into his own.

“He’s the best role model that a British tennis player can have, especially a Scottish player like myself. I watched him growing up, the way he climbed up the rankings, the way he competes, the way he plays, it’s super special to see. I take a lot of what he does and try to implement it in my game. If I have any kind of
success like he’s had on the tour, I’ll be super happy. Super grateful for what he’s done for the sport.”