The world will watch with bated breath as Jacob Fearnley takes on the formidable Novak Djokovic in the flushing meadows! Behind the scenes, hoping to see the 22-year-old win the match, is a different champion! A person whose unwavering support has led to shaping Fearnley’s career as a tennis pro: His mother, Samantha. Her relentless sacrifice has been instrumental since his childhood, when he first held the racquet. However, very few know that, unlike her son, Samantha’s prowess in the professional regime lay somewhere else. 

When Jacob Fearnley was 17 years old, he swung his racquet alongside Roger Federer, learning his moves and strategies at Wimbledon. Little did he know that one day he would be standing on the same ground, readying himself to take on Federer’s on-court rival, Novak Djokovic. Nevertheless, today (July 4) he is all set to replicate what Andy Murray did eleven years ago when he faced Djokovic at the Wimbledon final and pulled a major upset! However, no road to success is without its own set of struggles, and Fearnley had them, too. But, for him, forever shining the light above his head is his mother, Samantha. 

According to the former World No. 271, his mother is the reason why he could fulfill his dreams in tennis. When he was four or five years old, Samantha, who worked as a Human Resource Manager at the National Health Service, gave a racquet in his hand. Fearnley, who took it with enthusiasm, did not have to look back after that. While he continued his passion in the small town of Dalkeith, his mother worked hard to provide him with every facility that he needed to continue his practice in the backyard of their house. 

Speaking about his admiration for her mother, Fearnley, who played collegiate tennis, revealed, “My mom obviously has made a huge impact for me just supporting me, believing in me more than anyone. I’m super grateful to her. She’s an unbelievable human, and she’s done so much for me, especially in tennis.”  The Brit also shared the contributions of his grandparents, stating how they were his “huge” and “biggest supporters” all along.

His mother went to work quite early in the morning and Fearnley spent all his day with his grandparents. However, the hard work has finally paid off. Fearnley, now ranked 277, is walking on the same ground where his idol, Murray, once established his power. And a starry-eyed Fearnley is now “excited” yet intimidated to play his match and enjoy the experience!

Fearnley admits the “intimidating” fight that he is going to have against Djokovic

Jacob Fearnley has grown up watching Andy Murray’s prowess on-court, especially at Wimbledon. However, when it comes to Novak Djokovic, his second-round opponent, Fearnley believes that his game is flawless. But, Fearnley is not the one to give up! His agenda is clear: “Yeah, it’s going to be a little bit intimidating, but it’s a match that I’m super excited for. It’s the biggest match of my career so far. Just to be able to share the court with a player like that will be really special.”

Jacob Fearnley, who wishes to implement Murray’s techniques on-court in his own games, wants to “enjoy” the game! “I’m going to just try and enjoy it, put my game out on the court and see what happens. I don’t think there’s many tactics going into the match.” Whatever be the result of the match, one thing is clear: Fearnley, backed by his mother’s love and support, is not going to give up without putting up a fight against the Serbian tennis pro!