On the eve of Wimbledon, Jacob Fearnley has said there is “no reason” why he cannot climb to the top of world tennis.
Britain’s No. 2 has enjoyed a steady rise up the rankings over the past couple of years, recently marking a career milestone by reaching his first ATP Tour quarter-final at Queen’s Club.
It builds on success in 2024, when he won his first ATP singles title - the Nottingham Open on the Challenger Tour.
“There’s no reason why. But I’m also not going to say I can, because I know a lot of things have to click. I have to stay healthy and, probably, get a little bit lucky.”
Fearnley is now ranked 51st in the world - a mammoth rise from his 1,893rd position back in October 2023.
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Cameron Norrie – Jacob Fearnley – Roland Garros highlights
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His Nottingham win last summer rocketed him into the top 500 for the first time, before cracking the top 100 by October.
The Edinburgh-born player is full of admiration for Jack Draper, who is currently Britain’s top tennis player and heads into Wimbledon as the fourth seed.
“It’s incredible what Jack has done in the past nine months or so,” he added.
“I grew up with Jack, playing the same tournaments, and I still can’t quite believe he’s No. 4 in the world.
“Not because he doesn’t deserve it, it’s just cool to see a friend you grew up with achieving such great things in the sport. I’ve tried to learn from him, he’s where I aspire to be.”
Fearnley will face Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the first round at Wimbledon, which gets underway on Monday, June 30.
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McEnroe backs ‘formidable’ Draper to win ‘majors’
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The 2025 tournament will be his second taste of action at the All England Club, after being entered as a wildcard for the main draw last year.
Having beaten Spain’s Alejandro Moro Canas in the opening round, he was then placed against the legendary Novak Djokovic on Centre Court.
Unsurprisingly, he did not make it any further, but did shock fans at SW19 by winning the third set against the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
“I don’t have a round in mind,” Fearnley said on his aspirations for this year’s Championships.
“I like to think I’m far away from the finished product, which is really exciting. The mental side is how I’ve improved most.
“I’m competing well against some of the best players in the sport. It bodes well for the future.”
