Young Brit Jacob Fearnley reveals why he’s deleted his Instagram account ahead of Nick Kyrgios clash at Australian Open
- Jacob Fearley will face Nick Kyrgios in the first round of the Australian Open
- Youngster reveals he’s staying off social media ahead of the big game
- Kyrgios is making his grand slam comeback after a lengthy layoff
Someone had to draw the short straw and it turned out to be young Scot Jacob Fearnley who has the nightmare of facing Nick Kyrgios in the first round of the Australian Open.
Playing at a protected ranking of No. 21, Kyrgios will make his grand slam comeback on Monday after more than two years on the sidelines at Melbourne Park.
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up was always the most dangerous unseeded floater in the 128-man tie, prompting Fearnley to batten down the hatches almost from the moment he played Kyrgios on Friday.
“I actually deleted Instagram. I received a lot of messages. I wanted to try and stay as centered as possible,” Fearnley said.
While he will still be a big underdog against a third-place Kyrgios, 23-year-old Fearnley is certainly no tennis mug.
The world number 86 made his grand slam debut last year as a Wimbledon wildcard, advancing to the second round and taking an advantage over the great Novak Djokovic.
Nick Kyrgios presents a unique first round challenge for Jacob Fearnley (pictured)
Fearnley says he expects the crowd to be against him at John Cain Arena
But he knows he will have given his best by playing the home favorite at his beloved John Cain Arena.
“It’s not a match you want to see in Australia,” he said.
“I know the crowd will be against me. Of course there was also a lot of excitement (about the draw) because it is not an ordinary match.
“I’ve been in some pretty hostile environments. Probably not as many people as will watch it on Monday.
‘I’ve definitely had some bad things come my way. You just have to ignore it and move on.
‘I think the best I can do is try to enjoy it as best I can.
‘Obviously I’m focusing on myself. I understand that it will be very difficult to do that. It’s still quite early in my career. It’s really cool to get an opportunity and an experience like this.’
Hampered by an abdominal strain, Kyrgios has no great expectations for his first Grand Slam appearance since reaching the US Open quarter-finals in 2022 before requiring three rounds of wrist and knee surgery.
Kyrgios makes his grand slam comeback after more than two years on the sidelines at Melbourne Park
“I’m taking it day by day,” he said.
‘Just enjoying all the moments again, being part of the tournament, walking through the corridors, the dressing room, seeing everyone again.
‘These past few weeks have been an emotional time for me. I’m just enjoying being back.”
Kyrgios is one of ten Australians in action on day two.
His doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, 27th seed Jordan Thompson, rising women’s star Maya Joint and three-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist Ajla Tomljanovic are also in attendance.
AUSSIES IN ACTION ON DAY ONE OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN ON MONDAY:
Men’s singles, first round:
Nick Kyrgios vs Jacob Fearnley (GBR)
27-Jordan Thompson vs. Dominik Koepfer (GER)
Chris O’Connell vs 12-Tommy Paul (USA)
Thanasi Kokkinakis v Roman Safiullan (RUS)
James Duckworth vs Dominic Stricker (SUI)
Tristan Schoolkate vs. Taro Daniel (JPN)
James McCabe v Martin Landaluce (ESP) Women’s Singles:
Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Ashlyn Krueger (USA)
Maya Joint vs. 7-Jessica Pegula (USA)
Talia Gibson vs. Zeynep Sonmez (TUR)
Destanee Aiava vs Greet Minnen (BEL)