By Tony Fairbairn at Wimbledon
- Jacob Fearnley [WC] def Alejandro Moro Canas [Q] 7-5 6-4 7-6(12)
- Fearnley v Novak Djokovic [2] | H2H: First Meeting
LONDON, ENGLAND – Jacob Fearnley won on his Wimbledon debut and will now face seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the second round of Wimbledon.
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Jacob Fearnley [WC] def Alejandro Moro Canas [Q] 7-5 6-4 7-6(12)
Jacob Fearnley has won on his Wimbledon debut after a straight sets win over Spanish qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas. Fearnley entered his Wimbledon debut having won the Nottingham Challenger and displayed his good form early on in the match, testing Moro Canas’ movement.
The Spaniard was also possessing some good grass court tennis as the qualifier carried his form from the qualifying event into the main draw. Towards the end of the opening set both players produced clutch serving under pressure as break points were created. However it was Fearnley who was more clinical and proactive when it really mattered as he broke to 15 in the eleventh game for a 6-5 lead. Fearnley held his nerve as he edged the opening set 7-5, producing some composed play at the net.
In the second set, Fearnley continued the momentum as he threatened the break of serve in the opening game creating two break points. The world number 188 refused to give in as the Spaniard played some impressive shots from the baseline to hold serve. However, some costly decision-making would be Moro Canas’ downfall as Fearnley’s persistent pressure paid off as he broke for a 3-2 lead.
Towards the end of the set, Moro Canas displayed the aggressive returning that earned him a place in the main draw as he created two break points in the eighth game. That late pressure from Moro Canas elevated Fearnley’s serving game as the Brit saved those break points with consistent serving and the wildcard would take the second set 6-4, opening up a two set lead.
In the third set there was nothing to separate the two players as Fearnley got passive and nervous on the big points, failing to convert his three break points. The third set would go to a tiebreak which saw Fearnley make an aggressive start as he took control of the tiebreak. It was clear the prospect of winning his Wimbledon debut played a part in five match points coming and going.
In the end Fearnley secured the tiebreak 14-12, converting his sixth match point to win his Wimbledon debut. After the match Fearnley detailed what the last few weeks have been like and admitted his recent from has come unexpectedly.
“Yeah, it’s a bit crazy, for sure. Obviously it’s come very unexpectedly,” Fearnley said in his press conference.
“Yeah, I had a great month. Won the national championships in America with TCU. Had, like, a week to prepare, maybe less, for Nottingham. Had to qualify. Kind of almost actually bowed out first round qualifying. Yeah, just managed to pull out some wins for the rest of the week.
“Then, yeah, obviously I played Eastbourne. Had a tough match against Billy. Kind of felt that it was a good thing because that meant I was fresh coming into Wimbledon, which is the most important tournament. Yeah, it’s been a great month.”
Jacob Fearnley [WC] v Novak Djokovic [2] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jacob Fearnley [WC] v Novak Djokovic [2] | H2H: First Meeting |
| Wimbledon 2024 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £93,000 |
| First on Centre Court (13:30 BST) | BBC Sport |
An opportunity of a lifetime awaits Fearnley as he plays seven-time champion Novak Djokovic next.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jacob Fearnley (WR 277) | Novak Djokovic (WR 2) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Champion (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 56 | 64.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 91 | 82.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 65 | 64.1 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 43 | 53.7 |
| Break Points Converted % | 20 | 45.2 |
Fearnley will need to be at his clinical best on serve in order to neutralize Djokovic’s returning efficiency.
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Playing styles and prediction
There were doubts over Djokovic’s fitness heading into Wimbledon after having meniscus surgery a few weeks ago. Those doubts have been put to rest as he thrashed Vit Kopriva in his opening round match as he will look to conserve as much energy as possible for the second week. Should Djokovic win the title at Wimbledon it could be one of his best achievements as he looks for a record-breaking eighth title at SW19.
Fearnley will look to settle into the match quickly as he will aim to be aggressive on serve and approach the net as much as possible to finish off the rallies. Meanwhile Djokovic will use his experience to pick the right times to test Fearnley’s movement as he aim to continue his efficient returning. This will be a great experience for Fearnley that he will remember forever as he will look to showcase what he can do. The Brit could have the game to push Djokovic close in a set but ultimately the Serb should have too much quality for the wildcard.
Prediction: Djokovic in straight sets.
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