Without some of their talisman players including Jack Draper and even Cameron Norrie, it is Jacob Fearnley who has the unenviable task of leading from the front this week at the Davis Cup.
Coming off a strong performance at the Australian Open, Fearnley shone as he took down former Grand Slam finalist Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3. This proved vital after Billy Harris had faltered before him losing 7-5, 6-1.
"I am feeling great, I was extremely nervous before the match, as to be expected, it is my first Davis Cup match and playing such a great player I knew I had to play good," he said.
"I was a bit nervous but I ended up playing a great match so I am happy.
"I know it is going to be another big challenge tomorrow."
Now it all comes down to doubles tomorrow with this opening win potentially being in vein as he can do little more to affect the outcome of the tie from here due to the nature of the Davis Cup.
But if it is his one and only display, it is one that will live long in the memory. This against a Nishikori too who himself has been in some form as of late reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open and seeming to be back in some of his prior form amid wretched injury luck.
But Fearnley is certainly a player to be feared. Novak Djokovic invited him to train with him at the Australian Open and he was one of the biggest ranking risers of the past year. Amid quite a lot of British attention being on Jack Draper, he has shown that there are at least two players to the party after the retirement of Andy Murray last year saw a gap needing to be plugged in the psyche of British tennis.
But also it could've seen Great Britain exit out before the main qualifying rounds. They lost last year in the Finals Group Stage to Canada given a spot due to Manchester hosting certain sections of the finals. But that isn't the same scenario this year and they have to fight for their spot with the second qualifying round being in September after this.
That's how you introduce yourself to the #DavisCup 🫡
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 31, 2025
Jacob Fearnley wins 6-3,6-3 and levels the score between Great Britain and Japan. pic.twitter.com/FXMfTGyrsI
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
