Jacob Fearnley produced the most remarkable comeback from 2 sets to 1 down and a double break to beat Martin Landaluce and reach the second round of the US Open tennis.
Drama was ever present and as Fearnley raced away to 5-1 in the fifth set it peaked on the first of two match points when he had a complete fresh air smash when it seemed Landaluce could only prepare himself to shake hands over the net..
A double fault then brought the Spaniard back into within touch distance leaving Jacob to serve out for victory which he did to love.
Truly “epic£ does not do the comeback full justice.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the 4-6, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win Jacob said:”I still dont think i have really comprended it. A couple of weeks ago in Newport (Rhode Island) I was 5-1 40-15 down (in the deciding set of the final) and ended up winning so I knew it was possible.”
On that occasion Jacob saved SIX match points but for the all the drama he did not have to save any match points last night such was the ease with which he broke his opponents serve two and won 16 points out of a possible 18 at one point in his spectacular rally,
All the more remarkable is the fact Jacob only got into the tournament proper as a “lucky loser” after he lost in final qualifying and another player dropped out injured.
Did this mean he could go out swinging?
“I didn’t have as whole lot to lose. I was playing on house money a little bit. I’m super grateful for the second chance and glad I could make good use of it” said the former Colinton junior.
The match lasted just over four hours and was nearly interrupted again at the end as rain threatened. How much of the challenge was physical and how much mental?
“Up until the last game it is all physical then that last game is all mental (pressure). I was very chuffed (to serve out at the second attempt). The first two points were important to start on the right tone, making my first serves. I was tight but so was he (after twice serving for the match unsuccessfully in the fourth set)l
Regarding the fresh air smash which could have totally unsettled him Jacob said:
“All you can do is laugh and try to get over the line.”
But he added:
“The rain was kind of getting a little bit in my eyes.,”
Jacob is now guaranteed $190,000 prize money and 50 ranking points.
After beating Landaluce, the 2022 US open junior title holder and current mens world No 65 Jacob will play Tomas Martin Etchevery, world No 35. The pair have never previously met.
