Lexus Ilkley Open 2026: Jacob Fearnley fights into second round in Ilkley

Fearnley recovered from a set down and dealt with a lengthy rain delay to secure a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory over the Italian and earn his first win of the grass court season.

The result also marks Fearnley’s first main draw win since reaching the second round at Indian Wells back in March, and he’ll be hoping to use this to build momentum over the coming weeks. 

“I thought I was playing well”, Fearnley reflected. “I think it was coming down to small margins. I knew I was there and just had to keep playing aggressive and enjoy being on the court today.

“It feels amazing (to be here). I played here a few years ago in the doubles. Playing on this court was really special and you guys helped me to get over the line today.”

Fearnley is a former grass court champion having lifted the Lexus Nottingham Open trophy two years ago, when he came through qualifying to win his maiden ATP Challenger title. 

It was a win that led to him receiving wild cards to the Lexus Eastbourne Open and Wimbledon, where he recorded his first Grand Slam main draw win on his debut.

“We definitely see it more as an opportunity,” Fearnley added. “I think grass court tennis is something that favours the Brits. We get to practice on it a bit earlier than other players, so I definitely think it's an opportunity for us to step up and get points and do well in big tournaments.”

Fearnley was punished for a slow start to the match and was broken in his opening two service games, allowing Nardi to take control. The Briton created four break point chances late in the set, but was unable to convert as Nardi sealed the opener.

However, Fearnley flipped the momentum dramatically and got off to an electric start in the second set - racing into an early break and consolidating for a 3-0 lead. 

The former world No.49 tightened up on the return and won 65% (15/23) of points compared to 41% (17/41) in the opener - spurring him on to three consecutive breaks and a run of six straight games to level up the tie.

After missing two break points at 1-1 in the decider, Fearnley struck at the third attempt to move ahead 4-1 and didn’t look back from then on out.  

The former Lexus Nottingham Open champion was rock solid on serve, closing out the set having dropped just two points behind his first serve before sealing victory with an ace to send him into the second round at Ilkley Lawn Tennis Club.

This means there are now two Brits into the second round of the men’s singles draw in Ilkley after Billy Harris edged a tight set against Clement Chidekh yesterday. 

The Brit fought back from a set down to clinch victory in a marathon final set tie-break, winning 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(13) in three hours and 25 minutes.

Catch up with the latest results at the Lexus Ilkley Open