Lexus Nottingham Open 2026: Jacob Fearnley fights back to reach second round
• 2 minute read
Former champion Jacob Fearnley made a winning return to the Lexus Nottingham Open, battling back from a set down to defeat Dane Sweeny in three sets.
The Brit arrived in Nottingham off the back of a runner-up finish at the Lexus Ilkley Open and looked to be carrying that form into the event where he claimed his maiden ATP Challenger title in 2024.
Despite losing a gruelling opening-set tie-break, Fearnley showed resilience to turn the match around, eventually sealing a 6-7(16), 6-1, 6-2 victory in two hours and 32 minutes.
He will now look to build on last week’s deep run in Ilkley as he targets a second Nottingham title.
"I would've loved to grab the first set but tennis is like that, you win some you lose some," Fearnley said. "I just knew I was close and I was playing good tennis so I just had to keep going.
"When the weather is like this in the UK, I don't think there's a better place to play - on the grass courts. The courts are amazing, I played here two years ago and it was the same. It's a very special place to be and I just love the tournament, everything about it is great."
For Fearnley, the win will feel even sweeter after finding out that he's received a wild card to the main draw at Wimbledon in just a couple of weeks time.
"As a tennis player, getting a wild card is something you're extremely grateful for," Fearnley added. "I never feel that I 100% deserve a Wimbledon wild card because I know what goes into the decision process.
"For the LTA and Wimbledon boards to think I'm worthy of a wild card is really special and it makes me really happy. To get the chance to play on Wimbledon courts again is really special."
Fearnley made a sluggish start, allowing Sweeny to take early control with a double break for a 5-2 lead. However, the Brit settled into the contest, loosening up his groundstrokes and fighting back to level the set before forcing a tie-break.
The breaker proved to be a lengthy battle, lasting a marathon 32 points. The pair traded mini-breaks throughout, with Fearnley digging up five set points. However, Sweeny eventually converted on his seventh opportunity when Fearnley sent an overhead into the net.
Despite falling short in a gruelling end to the opener, the British No.4 quickly dusted off the disappointment and re-grouped well for the remainder of the match. The 24-year-old won 87% (13/15) of points behind his first serve in the second set and converted his chances well to break twice and force a decider.
Fearnley carried that momentum into the final set, racing into a 4–0 lead and maintaining his intensity to the finish. He wrapped up the win in style with a love hold, completing an impressive comeback in front of his home fans.
In the second round, Fearnley faces second seed Benjamin Bonzi. A victory there could set up an all-British clash with Jay Clarke, should the 27-year-old overcome Australia’s Christopher O’Connell.
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