Jacob Fearnley soars into ATP top 100 after fourth Challenger title

Not only did the title mark Fearnley’s fourth Challenger title of the season, but it is also set to secure him a place in the top 100 this week as he currently sits at 98 in the live rankings.

Fearnley’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After capping off a decorated college career at Texas Christian University (TCU) with a NCAA Team National Championship win, Jacob made himself immediately known on the pro tour. 

Describing his eagerness earlier this year as he moved into the pro world, Jacob said: “The outlook after college is to be full-time on tour, I'm excited to play for myself and play pro tournaments. It’s something I've always wanted to do since I was a little kid so very excited for that and looking forward to what’s ahead for me.” 

Success came quickly as after entering the Rothesay Open Challenger in June as an alternate in qualifying, ranked 525 in the world, Jacob went on to earn his first main draw Challenger match win before completing a seven-match streak to the title.

His performance in Nottingham earned him a wildcard entry into his first ATP 250 event in Eastbourne as well as a wildcard into the main draw of Wimbledon. 

Making the most of the opportunity, Jacob earned a first-round victory over Alejandro Moro Canas to set up a Centre Court clash with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.  

Despite losing out to seven-time Wimbledon champion, Fearnley pushed Djokovic to four sets in front of a packed house, showcasing world-class tennis to put himself firmly on the list of players to watch for the rest of the season.

In a recent interview reflecting on his Wimbledon experience, Fearnley told the BBC: “All that stuff I can put into my own game. If you don't take an experience like that and use it to your advantage, it's a waste.”

Jacob then returned to the ATP Challenger Tour where he has proven himself as one of the players to beat. He has picked up titles in Lincoln, Rennes and now Orleans, becoming the first player since Ben Shelton in 2022 to win three consecutive ATP Challenger events.  

Jacob’s Challenger record this season is 27-1 with his only loss coming in the semi-finals of the Chicago Challenger to Gabriel Diallo, who made an impressive run through qualifying to the Round of 32 at the US Open. 

Win in Orleans

Fearnley’s most recent win came on Sunday at the Co-met Orleans Open Challenger 125. The event saw the likes of former top 10 Canadian, Denis Shapovalov, ATP Next Gen 2023 champion Hamad Medjedovic, and French tennis legend Richard Gasquet all making up a stacked draw.

He opened his campaign with a three-set win over qualifier Jonathan Eysseric 6-2 3-6 6-1 before downing French wild card Robin Bertrand 6-3 6-3 in round two.  

Keeping up his dominant form, Fearnley made light work of Metteo Gigante who had upset third seed Constant Lestienne. A convincing 6-1 6-0 win saw Jacob book his spot in the semi-finals.

There he faced Alexander Blockx, former ITF Junior world number one who won his first pro title at the M25 Glasgow in 2023. Blockx was on an impressive run having knocked out second seed Denis Shapovalov earlier in the tournament.

Fearnley produced another quality performance to move past Blockx 6-4 6-3 and secure a place in Sunday’s final against third seeded Frenchman, Harold Mayot.

Fearnley struck first in the final, taking the opening set 6-3 before recovering from a break down in the second set to take 5-3 lead. 

Two match points came Fearnley’s way at 5-3, but Mayot found a way to hold serve to close the gap. Another match point of Fearnley’s serve came and went as Mayot was able to level the set at 5-5. 

At 5-6, Jacob saved two set points on his own serve to force a tie-break. There was little in the tie-break but it was the Scot that found a way through to secure the title 6-3 7-6(5) and become the new champion in Orleans.

Jacob is set to stay in France where he will compete this week in the Open de Vendee, an ATP Challenger 100 event.