Jacob Fearnley has continued his meteoric rise at Wimbledon to set up a dream second-round clash with Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon after beating Alejandro Moro Canas in just under three hours.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a steady professional campaign last year but his big breakthrough came in this year’s grasscourt season.
He was ranked 525th in the world at the start of last month, but he jumped up the rankings after a shock win at the Nottingham Open having come through as a qualifier.
Fearnley defeated compatriot Charles Broom in the final to propel himself up the rankings an astonishing 251 places.
Jacob Fearnley was ranked 525th in the world at the end of May
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But he’s now already guaranteed another new career-high ranking after his incredible victory on day two of Wimbledon.
The Scottish-born tennis star was making his Grand Slam main draw debut against Moro Canas, who had also never played in a major tournament.
It set up a fascinating first-round tie and a great chance for Fearnley to lay down a marker and push him closer to the world’s top 200.
Adverse weather to start the day on Tuesday delayed play on multiple occasions but that didn’t cause an issue for Fearnley, who edged out a tight first set.
There was an hour’s delay in the second set with Moro Canas gifting Fearnley a break of serve in the fifth game.
That ended up being crucial as Fearnley held his nerve to serve out for the set and give himself a commanding lead.
The job wasn’t done just yet and his opponent refused to back down in the third set, which went to a nail-biting tiebreak.
Fearnley eventually came out on top, winning the tiebreak 14-12 and putting his hands on his head in disbelief.
Jacob Fearnley beat Alejandro Moro Canas to reach the second round
GETTY
He now progresses to the second round of Wimbledon where he will face seven-time champion Djokovic.
Speaking before the tournament, Fearnley admitted that he had one eye on facing the Serbian superstar after looking at the draw.
“When I saw that, I was obviously excited to play firstly whoever I got, but obviously it is a good draw to get first round and I definitely have a chance,” Fearnley said.
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Novak Djokovic is up next for Jacob Fearnley
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The match against Djokovic will likely be scheduled for Thursday with the chance of it being put on Centre Court.
However, Wimbledon will have a decision to make that day if Andy and Jamie Murray being their doubles campaign.
The tournament will want to have Andy out on Centre Court, but it could cause havoc in their schedule.
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