Fearnley overcomes nerves – and heckler – at US Open

Jacob Fearnley, a Briton, won the US Open main draw for the first time in his career despite nerves and a heckler.

Before falling to Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in a late-night fight, Fearnley, 24, struggled with his service game.

16 double faults were caused by a first-service percentage below 50% in the opening three sets, before Fearnley corrected his opening shot in the fourth to help move over the line.

The double faults came at the highest tension points, according to Fearnley, who won the match in three hours and 24 minutes, making it the longest match of his career.

“Those are undoubtedly caused more by nerves than anything else.”

He completely turned when I dominated the third period, which was 5-4, and I couldn’t believe it, said Fearnley.

“I wanted to say something,” He quickly changed. It wasn’t abuse; it was just confusing and loud. He said nothing in response to that.

With Sonay Kartal, Francesca Jones, Billy Harris, Sonay Kartal, and Katie Boulter all leaving, Fearnley was the only Brit to win at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.

He will now face German third-rounder Alexander Zverev on Thursday in a second round match.

It’s easy to overlook Fearnley’s lack of experience keeping him at the highest level because his progress has been so quick over the past 15 months.

The former US college student was recently listed among the top 500 players just over a year ago.

After making a stunning ATP Tour debut, he has since moved up the rankings and reached the top 50 in June.

Fearnley has played on some of the most renowned courts in the game and has a habit of drawing famous names at the start of the Grand Slams.

However, his form has been hampered by a nervous tension that is particularly harmed his serve in recent months.

Fearnley responded, “I’m not too sure. I’m looking at ways to solve this.” Knowing that I can win the match even after all those double faults is more important than anything, I suppose.

The double faults have been a problem in recent matches despite the fact that there are good and bad days.

“I’ll be playing Zverev next on a different big court, which will be a high-stakes, high-tense environment,” Zverev said.

A long night seemed inevitable when the British number three finally secured a 62-minute opener due to Fearnley and Bautista Agut not showing up until after 8pm local time.

The world number 47 was moved around when Fearnley used more variety in the second and third sets, which paid off.

Fearnley broke serve early in the third inning to cap a relatively sharp straight-setter, but more double errors allowed Bautista Agut, 37, to win the match.

To get over the line, he retreated admirably in the fourth set, landing more first serves and limiting the double faults.

Fearnley now has won all four Grand Slam competitions, including the first round, resulting in her own total of victories.