Jacob Fearnley will play American Aiden Mayo in the quarter finals of the Lincoln (Nebraska) tennis Challenger tournament tonight – Friday – boosted by the fact he is now guaranteed top 200 status and has just secured arguably a career best result – a 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 win over top seed and Paris Olympian, Christopher Eubanks.
Mayo, at 21 a couple of years younger than the Edinburgh player, is currently ranked world No 296.
Interviewed for the tournament website after his first round victory Jacob talked of his progress so far, taking a set off Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon and his plans for the next few months.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself; I just love playing tennis” he said, adding:
“Playing Novak on centre court was a once in a lifetime experience.I was worried nerves would get the better of me Once I got in court the nerves disappeared.”
What did he learn from an opponent who subsequently went on to take the Olympic men’s singles title?
“The biggest thing was his base level and composure. He doesn’t hit the ball any harder.
“He mixes things up on serve and kept me on edge.”
Unless any continuing success in Lincoln dictates otherwise Jacob appears resigned to keeping his powder dry until US Open qualifying later this month after which he expects to return to Europe and play tournaments in France.
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