His stunning victory against tennis’ bad boy Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open has greatly increased his public profile.
No wonder Scottish tennis fans are pinning their hopes on rising star Jacob Fearnley to become the next Andy Murray.
And it is not just Monday’s victory over Kyrgios that has raised hopes about his prospects.
Fearnley was ranked 646 in the world in January 2024 before making a meteoric rise to a career-high of 86 this month.
For him, every step forward has been taken by his long-term girlfriend Keagan Polk.
The couple has been together for three years after meeting at Texas Christian
University – where she plays beach volleyball. The Dallas-born athlete is often seen cheering on Fearnley from the stands and was in his box at Wimbledon last year. A year ago, she celebrated their anniversary when she shared a photo of them with the caption, “Two years later,” alongside a love heart emoji.
However, some may be baffled by Fearnley’s Scottish credentials when they hear him speak, as he appears to have acquired an American accent while studying at university in the US.
Jacob Fearnley was ranked 646 in the world in January 2024, before making a meteoric rise to a career-high of 86 this month
British star Jacob Fearnley (left) sent Nick Kygrios (right) to the Australian Open
Fearnley has credited his late grandparents with his career after encouraging him to take up the sport at a young age
Love match: beach volleyball player Keagan Polk, who met Jacob Fearnley in college
When American tennis legend John McEnroe asked where his Scottish accent had gone, Dalkeith-born Fearnley joked: ‘It’s nowhere to be seen. It comes back the longer I’m outside the United States.’
The victory over Krygios is the latest highlight in an incredible eight months for the 23-year-old that has seen him enter the world’s top 100, edge Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon and win a first Challenger Tour title.
Fearnley has credited his late grandparents with his career after encouraging him to take up the sport at a young age.
The Scot refused the temptation to turn pro when he left school and has spent his time at university in Texas studying for a degree in kinesiology and improving his tennis game.
In October he told the BBC: ‘I was always a bit underdeveloped physically and school was a big thing. My parents wanted me to have something to fall back on if tennis didn’t work out. I also didn’t feel mentally ready to play tennis.
‘I wanted to spend five years developing my game, developing as a person, socializing and meeting new people.’
Fearnley will face France’s Arthur Cazaux in the second round of the Australian Open today
Scottish tennis fans are pinning their hopes on rising star Jacob Fearnley to become the next Andy Murray (pictured at the Australian Open on January 13)
Kyrgios, the home favorite and 2022 Wimbledon finalist, was hampered by a stomach ache as Fearnley won 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in Melbourne on Monday.
After his win, Fearnley told McEnroe: “I was extremely nervous before the match and didn’t get much sleep.
‘I knew it would be a tough match. I’ve had a few issues playing college tennis, but this was something I’d never experienced before.
“I’m sorry for Nick. I knew he was dealing with some things, but he played incredible tennis and it was a great match.
“I just tried to focus on myself as best I could. All things considered, this is probably the best match I’ve ever played.”
Fearnley will face Arthur Cazaux from France in the second round today.