Australian Open 2025: Jacob Fearnley unfazed by 'extremely drunk' fans at party court as he books third-round spot
By Flo Clifford
Published 15/01/2025 at 15:16 GMT
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Britain's world No. 86 Jacob Fearnley is into the third round of a major on just his second attempt, as he beat Frenchman Arthur Cazaux - and his loud contingent of supporters - in four sets. Playing on the 'party court' at Melbourne Park, with its well-attended courtside bar, Fearnley had to block out the noise for a second successive match after defeating Aussie Nick Kyrgios in the first round.
Australian Open highlights: Fearnley wins again to continue dream run
Video credit: TNT Sports
Britain's Jacob Fearnley overcame a spirited challenge from talented Frenchman Arthur Cazaux - and the bear-pit atmosphere of the Australian Open's "party court" - to progress to the third round of a major for the first time.
Fearnley, ranked 86th in the world, beat home favourite Nick Kyrgios in straight sets at a similarly rowdy John Cain Arena, known as the "people's court", before facing Cazaux in the second round.
The pair played on a lively Court 6, which has a courtside bar, with the Scot eventually prevailing 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3.
"It feels amazing [to be in the third round]," he said afterwards. "It was a tough match. Really tough conditions. I don't think it's really sunk in yet, but it's really cool.
"I actually didn't really look at the court before I went on, so when I saw the bar, I was thinking it's going to be a pretty rowdy atmosphere.
"But as I settled into the match, I kind of blocked it out as much as I could. Obviously there was some supporters who were extremely drunk, but it was a great atmosphere."
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Cazaux was cheered on by a large contingent of loud French fans, who were delighted at their man taking the first set, before Fearnley - making just his second appearance at a Grand Slam - fought back.
"Those French fans were great at their job," he said. "I mean, they were very good supporters. They had their chants down to a T.
"There was one guy who was extremely vocal on the bar side. At first I couldn't tell if he was trying to psych me out, but then I realised he was on my side.
"He actually got escorted out at the end. I wanted to see him because he was a really good support!"
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Surreal scenes as Auger-Aliassime and Davidovich Fokina match suspended over noise
Video credit: TNT Sports
The noise was so raucous on Court 6 that the next-door match on Court 7, between Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and 29th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, had to be moved elsewhere.
Initially delayed by the rain and then transferred to the Kia Arena due to the 'party court' noise, Davidovich Fokina was the eventual victor of what turned out to be an eventful and lengthy five-set clash.
"I only knew that at the end," Fearnley said. "Someone sent me a Twitter - or an X, sorry - that they got moved. I didn't actually know where that next match was.
"I had no idea that it was getting moved. Honestly, it was so loud that I could barely hear what was going on on the other court. Yeah, I'm sorry if either of those two have any bad blood!"
Fearnley was still playing college tennis, at Texas Christian University, this time last year, only turning professional after finishing a degree in kinesiology.
"I went to college because I still wanted to play professional tennis afterwards, but I just didn't feel ready physically, emotionally," he added.
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'Where's the guy that was shouting?' - Fearnley meets super fan after big victory
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"I think everyone has their own path, and I went down the TCU college route. I think it was the best thing for me.
"Hopefully I'm showing some people and other college players are showing players that it is a valuable path to go, and it does actually produce pro players. It can transition extremely well to the pro tour."
'INCREDIBLE' ZVEREV NEXT CHALLENGE FOR FEARNLEY
Fearnley will next face one of the toughest potential opponents in the draw, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament.
"It's another massive match," Fearnley said. "He's playing unbelievable. I'm aware that all these matches that I'm getting are extremely challenging.
"I do get nervous, but I know how lucky I am to have these experiences and play these matches - these matches don't come around often.
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Martinez v Zverev - Australian Open highlights
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I'm trying to cherish them and stay in the present moment really, and just try and enjoy these massive matches because they are some of the biggest that I can play.
"I've watched a lot of Zverev and admire his game immensely. I saw him play [Cameron] Norrie at Wimbledon this year, and it was an incredible match.
"I'd never really seen him play live, and I was like, he's an amazing tennis player. You kind of don't get a grasp of it until you actually see it live.
"I'm really excited that I'll get a chance to play one of the biggest names in tennis."
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