In a decisive match at the 2025 US Open, Alexander Zverev, the third-seed from Germany, demonstrated his Grand Slam prowess by defeating Jacob Fearnley 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round on Thursday. The former finalist showed resilience against a spirited effort from the British player at the iconic Flushing Meadows.
For Fearnley, ranked No. 60 in the world after an incredible rise from obscurity, this match marked his debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam. Despite the loss, he gained invaluable experience that adds to his inspiring journey in tennis.
Fearnley noted the delay as Zverev kept him waiting for over ten minutes before heading to the Louis Armstrong Stadium. He remarked, “I kind of expected it. He’s always saying, ‘Oh, I’m sorry about that.’ But he knows what he’s doing. It’s the same with Novak (Djokovic) at Wimbledon.”
He added, “If they call me, I show up. It’s a bit of time because you have a 20-minute warm-up before standing there.” This insight sheds light on the unwritten rules of readiness in professional tennis.
Fearnley (left) congratulates Zverev at the net after the match.
Zverev’s strategic edge was clear from the first game as he established early breaks in the initial sets. However, Fearnley staged an impressive comeback despite trailing and dealing with a shoulder injury. He saved five match points and fought back from a 5-1 deficit, delivering remarkable shots that earned applause from Zverev.
Upon sealing his victory, Zverev acknowledged Fearnley’s efforts, stating, “Where did that come from? Well played.” In his post-match interview, he praised Fearnley for his remarkable performance, noting that while he felt he played well, the Brit had stepped up his game significantly, making the match exciting.
Zverev acknowledges his opponent after a competitive match.
Fearnley faced challenges throughout the match, feeling a “pop” in his shoulder during the first set, which required painkillers. He also struggled with his serve, recording 12 double faults on top of the 18 he hit in the previous round. While hopeful that his shoulder issue isn’t serious, it raises concerns for Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, especially with star player Jack Draper unavailable for the upcoming playoff against Poland.
Catch the thrilling action of the US Open live in New York on Sky Sports, or stream it through the Sky Sports app, offering customers access to over 50% more live sports this year at no additional cost.