By Tony Fairbairn
- Jacob Fearnley [Q] def Corentin Moutet 6-2 7-6(5)
- Fearnley v Tallon Griekspoor [7] | H2H: First Meeting
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Jacob Fearnley comfortably defeated Corentin Moutet to set up a second round meeting with Tallon Griekspoor in Stockholm.
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Jacob Fearnley [Q] def Corentin Moutet 6-2 7-6(5)
Jacob Fearnley is into the second round in Stockholm after a comfortable victory over Corentin Moutet. The Brit continued his confident form from qualifying into the main draw as the Brit produced some aggressive play in the early stages of the match. Fearnley’s aggression was rewarded as he frustrated Moutet and broke to take a 3-0 lead.
There was a comeback from Moutet as the Frenchman produced some stunning play to earn the break back in the fifth game. However the moments of brilliance were short and concise as Fearnley recovered well and continued to approach the net as the match went on. The Brit broke on a further two occasions as he cruised to the opening set in 47 minutes.
Despite losing the opening set comfortably, Moutet tested the qualifier’s stamina and patience with the Frenchman extending the rallies. That continued in the second set and that earned its rewards as Moutet secured the break advantage on two separate occasions. That didn’t faze Fearnley as the Brit continued to be efficient and broke back on both times to close in on victory.
The world number 99 continued to apply pressure on Moutet’s serve as the Frenchman was erratic in his play. Credit had to be given were credit was due as Moutet produced some big serving to save two match points and force a second set tiebreak. Fearnley played some clean tennis throughout the tiebreak and managed to edge to three more match points.
On the third time of asking Fearnley secured victory with a well disguised drop shot as he advanced to the second round in Sweden.
Jacob Fearnley [Q] v Tallon Griekspoor [7] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jacob Fearnley [Q] v Tallon Griekspoor [7] | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Stockholm 2024 | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Indoor Hard | Prize Money: €12,110 |
| Third on Court One (14:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Fearnley will now face seventh seed Tallon Griekspoor for a place in his first ATP quarter-final.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jacob Fearnley (WR 99) | Tallon Griekspoor (WR 37) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Quarter-Final (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 62 | 62.9 |
| Service Games Won % | 83 | 83.4 |
| Break Points Saved % | 55 | 63.3 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.2 | 45.6 |
| Break Points Converted % | 37 | 37.8 |
Fearnley will need to up his game on return as Griekspoor has the more efficient serve heading into this tough second round match.
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Playing styles and prediction
Griekspoor hasn’t had the best of season with the Dutchman slowly falling down the rankings. However the world number 37 has still produced some good individual results with a big serve and exquisite volleying. Now Griekspoor aims to finish the season strong with the Dutchman looking to maintain his efficiency on serve.
Fearnley will look to produce aggressive first serves as he will use the backhand to move Griekspoor out of position on court. Meanwhile Griekspoor will use depth to pin Fearnley behind the baseline as he will finish points off at the net. This should be a good match and a match that will act as a good learning experience for Fearnley heading into next season. In the big points Griekspoor should have enough quality to get through and reach the last eight.
Prediction: Griekspoor in three sets.
Miomir Kecmanovic def Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-4
Cameron Norrie’s return to ATP tour action ended in defeat after losing in straight sets to Miomir Kecmanovic. Norrie played his first match in three months as he produced a resilient performance. However the Brit ultimately produced careless errors and lacked clinical decision making in the defeat.
Despite the loss Norrie is happy to be back on tour as he prepares to battle on the court.
“I want to go out, play free and compete as hard as I can. It’s been a tough year already, so I want to enjoy the rest and go out on a high,” Norrie told the ATP website.
“It was obviously frustrating at the beginning to miss all those big tournaments, that was tough. But it was a good chance to refresh the body. It was just one shot a few days before the Olympics. I had to stop and then I did scans and it wasn’t looking good. I trained a little bit more, trying to get myself ready for the US Open, but it wasn’t to be. It was a tough one.
“It was an interesting period, I think it was a good realisation that it was a good time to rest. After six, seven years on the Tour, I didn’t really miss one week through injury. So, I definitely realised that was amazing. To enjoy time with my girlfriend and be a normal person for a little bit was something I haven’t done for a very long time, maybe since college.
“That was nice, for a bit, but then I realised I missed tennis a lot, I missed competing, the emotions of winning or losing. It’s a very steady life [when not competing]. I enjoyed it, but I feel ready to compete, ready to battle on the court.”
Norrie’s next tournament is at the ATP 500 event in Vienna next week.
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