Australian Open 2025: Jacob Fearnley spoils Nick Kyrgios party with big win as Carlos Alcaraz cruises through
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Jacob Fearnley earned what he described as the “best” win of his career as he beat Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old from Edinburgh had to contend with both Kyrgios and a raucous crowd roaring on the home favourite, but he dealt with both in hugely impressive fashion.
Kyrgios, making his first appearance at the Australian Open since 2022 due to injury problems, appeared hampered again here, regularly holding his abdominal area and needing medical treatment. He briefly threatened to mount a comeback, bringing up a set point in the third, but Fearnley saved that on his way to a 7-6 (3) 6-3 7-6 (2) win in two hours and 20 minutes. The Briton will take on Frenchman Arthur Cazaux in the second round, after he knocked out 28th seed Sebastian Baez in five sets.
Asked if this was the best match he has ever played, Fearnley said: "It is definitely up there. I think, all things considered, it is probably my best match - yes.". He added: "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.".
Carlos Alcaraz breezed into the second round with a straight-sets win of his own, beating Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 7-5 6-1. The Spaniard was 5-3 down in the second set as Shevchenko looked to level the match up, but Alcaraz went through the gears to win four games on the bounce and swiftly consolidate his control.
