Is Jacob Fearnley the next Andy Murray? The remarkable story of Nick Kyrgios' first opponent at the 2025 Australian Open
Updated 09/01/2025 at 14:19 GMT
React to this story
As one Scottish great bowed out of professional tennis, another very quickly emerged, and Jacob Fearnley's meteoric rise in the ATP scene has been rewarded with an eye-catching Australian Open first-round clash against Nick Kyrgios. Fearnley enters the 2025 campaign inside the top 100, hoping to fill the void left by Scottish predecessor Andy Murray, who is coaching Novak Djokovic in Melbourne.
"S***!" - Zverev reveals reaction to Murray coaching Djokovic
Video credit: TNT Sports
Depending on your stature in the sport, a tough opening-round draw at a Grand Slam could be viewed positively or negatively.
Though for Jacob Fearnley, a first-round clash against Nick Kyrgios at the 2025 Australian Open is surely set to actualise his rather astonishing recent rise in the ATP scene.
The Melbourne Grand Slam - available to watch live on Eurosport and discovery+ - and the Brit's clash against a returning Kyrgios stands as a real highlight of the opening encounters, with a truly fascinating affair set to play out on the hard acrylic courts.
Fearnley, not yet a household name among casual tennis viewers, will be hoping to write his own piece of history as he enters the season-opening major inside the ATP top 100 - an unconventional yet spectacular rise which is set to see him feature more often in the sport's most significant competitions.
As one great tennis Scotsman bowed out of the sport in Andy Murray, another has emerged, and Fearnley will be hoping for a prolonged stay among the elite - starting with his tricky Kyrgios clash.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/01/01/4077432-82686288-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Djokovic and Kyrgios knocked out in entertaining doubles clash
Video credit: SNTV
Fearnley's meteoric rise
In a span of 12 months, Fearnley rose from world No. 1,893 in the PIF ATP Rankings in men's professional tennis to No. 98.
Even until February last year, the Brit was going about his work as a university student in the United States, unknowing that in less than a year's time he would be highlighting the opening round of a major Grand Slam.
It is quite an unprecedented rise, one not evidenced by another British star in recent history.
According to ATP statistics, Fearnley's jump is the fifth biggest into the top 100 since 2000, and the most significant in the last 11 years.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/01/09/image-eb3b759b-9a73-45f1-a44b-10bbd657ccc9.jpeg)
Jacob Fearnley of Great Britain in action against Daniel Altmaier of Germany during the Swiss Indoors Basel
Image credit: Getty Images
The Scot has showcased sheer dominance at Challenger level - reeling off 15 consecutive wins, and boasting an imperious 23-1 record in the 2024 season, sitting behind only Janko Tipsarevic with regards to the best win percentage across the season at that level.
And what's more, he has already accrued experience of facing tennis' elite - having taken a set off Novak Djokovic in eventual defeat as a wildcard at Wimbledon last year.
A long-time friend of British No. 1 Jack Draper, Fearnley's eyes will certainly be opened to the brutal nature of the ATP environment, and following such a scintillating rise comes the challenge of consistency among the world's best - a test which has proved too staunch for some.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/01/09/4079751-82732668-2560-1440.png)
Highlights: Djokovic and Zverev face off at 'A Night with Novak'
Video credit: TNT Sports
A tough test for Kyrgios? who lies in wait?
A player of Kyrgios' quality would ordinarily be placed as firm favourite to secure passage to the second round in Melbourne, but could Fearnley spring a surprise?
It is all set up to be a potential banana skin for the Australian, who may well be feeling the impact of missing over two years' worth of Grand Slam action.
Knee, foot and wrist injuries cut short a strong 2022 campaign for Kyrgios - who reached the final of Wimbledon - and has kept him out of major tournaments since.
- Murray reveals hilarious secret revenge mission to 'sabotage' Djokovic at Australian Open
- Murray details 'surprise' Djokovic call as he began taking up different sport
Compare that with Fearnley's rather opposing trajectory, and you feel the Brit's incredible upswing of the last year could carry him through to the second round.
While Kyrgios is set for a return to the court, the state with which he will appear is not yet known. He was forced to scrap his scheduled exhibition with Djokovic after suffering an abdominal injury in the lead up to his home return.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/01/09/4079728-82732213-2560-1440.jpg)
Murray jokes about 'sabotaging' Djokovic AO chances as new coach
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Australian - who is set to play under a protected ranking of No. 21 in Melbourne - did manage to get some pre-tournament minutes, playing alongside Djokovic in doubles as well as featuring in defeat to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Brisbane.
Fearnley will be hoping he can upset the odds and the partisan home crowd, with his pathway through the tournament now clear following the singles draw on Thursday.
The Brit could face Alexander Zverev in the third round, while he also fell on the same half of the draw as Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz - though it would not be possible to face either until the semi-final.
Fearnley's exploits in Melbourne are to commence what is set to be another groundbreaking year for the emerging talent, and he will hope he can follow the trajectory of good friend Draper as an established player in the upper eschelons of men's tennis.
Watch the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement