Andy Murray’s passage at the French Open was halted last year by Stan Wawrinka, who eliminated him in the first round. This year, Jacob Fearnley, a young Scottish tennis player, views his matchup against the Swiss star as an opportunity for “Scottish revenge.” Reflecting on Wawrinka’s victory over Murray, the 23-year-old Fearnley expressed enthusiasm about facing an idol and emphasized the significance of the match.
Fearnley, who grew up admiring Wawrinka, stated, “We can see it like a Scottish revenge mission. Hopefully, I can get the revenge for Scotland!” Fearnley highlighted Wawrinka’s impressive longevity in tennis; the 40-year-old has maintained a competitive edge in Grand Slam events, a feat that Fearnley aspires to achieve himself. He remarked on the physicality of the sport and how commendable it is for Wawrinka to still be playing at this level well into his forties.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the ATP Tour after his collegiate career at Texas Christian University, Fearnley has quickly climbed to world No.54. With notable victories against established players like Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open and Fabio Fognini at the Rome Masters, he remains determined as he continues to experience the thrill of competing against tennis icons.
Fearnley also shared that he still gets starstruck by meeting famous players, including his age-mate Jannik Sinner and tennis legends like Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils. He cherishes these moments, recognizing their significance in his journey as a professional athlete.
This narrative of Fearnley’s journey serves as an inspiration, not only for his peers but also for aspiring athletes, reminding them of the joy and admiration that can coexist in the competition of sports.