L128: Jacob Fearnley WR 86 defeated (WC) Nick Kyrgios (AUS) UNR by 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(2)
From the Beeb's live text commentary:
'All things considered, it is probably my best match'
British number three Jacob Fearnley speaking to John McEnroe on court: "I was extremely nervous before the match, I didn't get too much sleep. I knew it was going to be a rowdy match, but I thought I played good. Sorry to Nick, I could tell that he was dealing with some stuff, but I thought it was a great match and I really enjoyed playing in front of you guys."
On how he prepared to face the Australian-dominated crowd: "I was just trying to focus on myself as much as I could. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to get you guys on my side, so I just had to focus on myself, play my game and do the best that I could to move past every point."
On whether that is the best match he has ever played: "It is definitely up there. I think, all things considered, it is probably my best match - yes."
On finding out he would be playing Nick Kyrgios in his second ever Grand Slam tournament: "There were nerves and excitement. You never know what you are going to get when you play Nick. He plays some unbelievable tennis, I knew that, so I knew it was going to be an entertaining match. I was definitely excited. I think the tennis we played near the end of the match was really good and really enjoyable to play."
That was the first time watching Jake that the picture quality has been super clear, enabling me to study his expression on adverse points which could have gone either way, or where his failure was met by massive cheering. In those moments he looked super calm, in the moment. If that's the best he's played then it looks like there's much scope for more
Report on Jake's match by John Westerby which appeared on the Times site a short while ago.
And Stu Fraser's report on Jack's - longest match of his career (four hours & a minute) & 88 UEs (interesting graphic comparing that figure with those of other men's first round winners)!
Britain's Cameron Norrie says he could "barely practise" before his Australian Open defeat by Matteo Berrettini because of sickness.
Norrie, 29, lost 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-1 6-3 to the big-serving Italian in the first round on Tuesday.
The British number two said he became ill in Auckland, where he played a warm-up tournament before heading to Melbourne.
"It was not the best preparation," said Norrie, who reached the fourth round last year.
"I just hit the wall after an hour and a bit. I was not able to stay sharp on the court.
"It is a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Most importantly I need to get my health back to 100%."
A huge disappointment after that promising start. At least he had a credible explanation. I hope he shakes off the sickness soon. At least Emma came up trumps.
-- Edited by Coup Droit on Tuesday 14th of January 2025 12:13:50 PM
Indeed - I havent checked the draw at all (job to do!) but will be interesting to see where Fonseca sits and who he might play. Rublev can be flaky though, is it a Russian thing (like the French players?) but nonetheless FOnseca put him to the sword.