Jacob Fearnley’s meteoric rise shows no signs of stopping – but he’s been quick to downplay comparisons with Andy Murray.
The Scottish star has advanced into the Australian Open third round following a four-set victory over French opponent Arthur Cazaux – winning 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3.
It was only on Monday that the 23-year-old stunned home favourite Nick Kyrgios in straight sets in what is one of the performances of the tournament so far.
And now the Edinburgh native is preparing for a clash with world No. 2 Alexander Zverev on Friday in what promises to be a fascinating affair.
In September 2023, Fearnley was ranked all the way down in 1,893rd spot.
This time last year, Fearnley, who only left Texas Christian University in the United States in April 2024, was ranked 646th in the world.
Today, he sits in 92nd in the ATP Tour rankings as he completes in what is his only second ever Grand Slam after previously reaching the second round at Wimbledon.
His rise up the rankings and into the top 100 is nothing short of sensational, but Fearnley is keeping his feet on the ground.
According to BBC Sport, as the British No. 3 was greeting fans and signing autographs court-side after his victory over Cazaux, a supporter shouted that he is the ‘Next Andy Murray‘.
To which a humble Fearnley simply replied by saying: “I don’t think so.”
Having reached the third round, Fearnley has earned himself at least £126,000 – almost half of the total earnings he has scooped from his singles and doubles career so far [£263k].
And he had to overcome a wild atmosphere at Court 6 to book a meeting with Zverev, with one of the stands boasting a bar on one of its sides.
Commenting on what it was like playing at the famed ‘Party Court’, he said: “It was a tough match. Really tough conditions. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, but it’s really cool.
“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.
“But as I settled into the match, I kind of blocked it out as much as I could.
“Obviously there was some supporters who were extremely drunk, but it was a great atmosphere.”
Before adding: “Those French fans were great at their job. I mean, they were very good supporters. They had their chants down to a T.
“There was one guy who was extremely vocal on the bar side.
“At first I couldn’t tell if he was trying to psych me out, but then I realised he was on my side.
“He actually got escorted out at the end. I wanted to see him because he was a really good support!”