Jacob Fearnley recalls his dream come true moment against “GOAT” Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon this year

Recalling their Wimbledon clash, young Brit Jacob Fearnley has hailed Novak Djokovic as the GOAT of tennis.


Jacob Fearnley recalls his dream come true moment against “GOAT” Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon this year

Jacob Fearnley, Novak Djokovic (Images via The Independent, Reuters)

British tennis star Jacob Fearnley had a dream come true moment at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships when he faced 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. Although Fearnley was defeated in four sets, the 23-year-old said that it was one of the best moments on the ATP Tou.

Fearnley said that playing against Djokovic on the Center Court in front of so many fans as well as his family was a surreal moment for him. He also spoke about the lessons he learned from Djokovic and said that no one should fail to take advantage of such an important moment.

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He's the GOAT [greatest of all time] of our sport and I was able to play him on Centre Court at Wimbledon in front of masses of fans, in front of my family, my best friends. It was a very special day. To be able to make it a close match and to feel like I played some good tennis was very important.
Jacob Fearnley said (via BBC Scotland)

Fearnley said that he still looks at some of the points he played against Djokovic and tries to take a leaf out of the Serbian’s gameplay to incorporate it into his.

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The fact I got to feel the way he plays, feel the weight of his ball; it's an extremely valuable experience. I still go back and watch some of the points. I still talk about it with my coach about things that he was doing so well, the way he problem solves, his depth. All that stuff I can put into my own game. If you don't take an experience like that and use it to your advantage, it's a waste.
Jacob Fearnley added

The 23-year-old lost the first two sets 6-3, 6-4 but came back strong in the third set, winning it 7-5. Fearnley fought hard in the fourth set but could not prevent Djokovic from sealing victory in four sets.

Jacob Fearnley claims no one can replace Andy Murray

Although Jacob Fearnley admires Novak Djokovic and hails him as the GOAT of tennis, he said that he has a special place for Andy Murray in his heart. Fearnley says that he grew up watching the two-time Wimbledon champion and looked up to him as his role model.

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Jacob Fearnley, Andy Murray (Images via ATP Tour, Sky Sports)

If it arises, Fearnley is ready to snatch the opportunity of Murray helping him with his tennis. However, the World No. 126 says he won’t approach the Scottish legend himself.

Andy's special. There's never going to be another Andy Murray. He's a role model for everyone, including myself. Having a player like that to look up to since I was a child has been super valuable in itself. Having that Scottish connection makes it even more special. I'm not going to reach out to him - I think that's a little bit crazy - but obviously if Andy wants anything to do with my tennis, I would snatch up that opportunity.
Jacob Fearnley said (via BBC Scotland)

Coming to Fearnley’s season so far, the Briton has made some big strides in his career. He won titles in Rennes, Lincoln, Nottingham, and Luxembourg and has jumped 520 places to be now ranked World No. 126.