Australian Open 2025 results: Jacob Fearnley beats Nick Kyrgios to silence Melbourne crowd
Fast-rising British star Jacob Fearnley stayed focused and calm to beat an ailing Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open, leaving the local favorite to face Here comes the long awaited comeback.
The 23-year-old Fearnley easily won 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-6 (7-2) in the first overseas Grand Slam match of his career.
Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios made his first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2022 after a series of serious injuries.
But his return was marred as the Scot, who only left college last April, took full advantage of his opponent’s fitness issues in their much-anticipated first-round clash.
“All things considered, I think this has to be the best game I’ve ever played,” Fearnley said.
Fearnley’s dominance silenced the home fans at the John Cain Arena, which had been providing enthusiastic support for Kyrgios during this memorable moment of his Australian Open career.
However, the mood soon soured when it became clear Kyrgios was in trouble.
Former world No. 13 Kyrgios, who is unranked and granted a wild card into the tournament, suffered an abdominal injury while returning to the Brisbane International in early January.
That means there is also a doubt whether he will be able to play in Melbourne this week.
Kyrgios looked out of shape from the start against Fearnley, frequently clutching his abdomen and twice requiring treatment in a chair.
Fearnley, who rocketed into the world’s top 100 last year, refuses to be distracted by the problems facing his opponents.
Kyrgios recovered from a break in the third set to briefly inspire the crowd, while Fearnley surged into the second round with a tiebreak.
