Jacob Fearnley was given an insight to what it will take to reach the dizzy heights of men’s tennis as he bowed out of the ATP Miami Masters today at the second round stage.
The 23-year-old Scot, from Edinburgh, was beaten 2-6, 4-6 by Alexander Zverev, top seed and current world No 2.
German Zvervev, 27, produced a serving masterclass as he hit 90 per cent of his first deliveries – a phenomenal statistic – and Fearnley was denied both the chance to gain a foothold in the match and develop any sustained rhythm. It is no exaggeration to say he was constantly playing catch up.
The consolation is that few, if any, players could have lived with Zverev who, ironically, took to the stadium court with question marks against his form since finishing runner-up in the Australian Open during January.
These were answered emphatically and there was little Fearnley could do but hang in.
Fearnley had his moments but early on there were signs that the sheer power of Zvervev’s shot making was putting him under extreme pressure just to live at the required standard.
Neverthless, it has been a good tournament for Fearnley who came through two qualifying ties and then defeated a player ranked 20 places above him in the current rankings.
It is expected he will now return to Europe for the clay court swing though the opening tournament in Monte Carlo next month will likely see him have to qualify.
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
