Jacob climbs the ladder

Jacob Fearnley, 22, from Dalkeith, claimed what was undoubtedly the biggest scalp of his fledgling pro tennis career when he defeated former world No 14 and 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist Kyle Edmund 6-3, 6-1 in the final of the Edgbaston Priory, Birmingham, $25,000 ITF tournament.

Adding to the feat Jacob had to come through qualifying for the event and won a total of 11 matches on his way to the title.

Later, he made it a double when he partnered Paisley’s Connor Thomson to win the men’s doubles, the pair having forged a partnership at tournaments including Wimbledon this year.

A student at Texas Christian University, Jacob, who trained at the Merchiston Castle tennis academy before heading Stateside,  is hoping to carry his fine form over into a similar tournament in Glasgow’s Scotstoun sports centre this week.

Regardless, this East of Scotland county player has received a significant ranking boost, up 978 places to 802 in the world for singles. He can also expect to move up from 33^rd in Great Britain.

Jacob is pictured, left, with Kyle Edmund and also Connor Thomson after winning their first pro doubles title together.