Whether Jacob Fearnley, 23, achieves the same giddy heights in tennis as compatriot Andy Murray remains to be seen.
But he is certainly acquiring the “Great Man’s” ability to throw in a bit of drama on the way to a winner’s circle.
Fresh from requiring seven match points to clinch a Challenger title in Rennes a fortnight ago the former Colinton junior passed up four match points – two on his serve and two in the previous game – before beating Harold Mayot 6-3, 7-6 to clinch his fourth Challenger in Orleans on Monday.
Fearnley will have learned a lot about himself though; particularly the way he re-grouped to save a couple of break points at 5-6 and take the match into a tie break where he came from behind to win 7-5.
Also, the final was played amidst near bedlam at times as the home crowd got behind their man amidst choruses of “La Marseilles” which Mayot, seeded five to Fearnley’s eight, did nothing to discourage.
At the end of the day Fearnley marches on towards a top 100 ranking and possible direct entry to January’s Australian Open and having appeared rattled towards the end of the second set when his trusty forehand deserted him he had the composure to keep faith in his abilities.
It was, however, a relieved looking Fearnley who was quick to embrace his team afterwards with Mayot gracious in defeat.
Remember, too, this was a tournament in which former top 10 players Denis Shapovalov and Richard Gasquet were eliminated in the early stages. This further demonstrates the level which Jacob Fearnley has reached.
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
