British No. 3 Jacob Fearnley survived 18 double faults to defeat Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 and reach the second round of the US Open 2025, where he will face world No. 3 Alexander Zverev. The Brit’s victory came after three hours and 26 minutes on court at Flushing Meadows.
Fearnley admitted nerves contributed to his serving struggles as he tried to close out the match. “It’s definitely nerves,” he said. “Obviously you’re going to double fault, you’re never not going to double fault, but 18, that’s too much. If you look at when the double faults are happening, it’s when I’m serving for the match, serving to stay in the set. It’s at the highest tension moments.”
Strong Start for Fearnley Against Bautista Agut
Fearnley showed composure in the opening set, saving a set point before breaking to win 7-5. The second set was even more convincing, as he held firm on serve and secured a double-break to move two sets ahead.
The third set, however, highlighted his serving issues. Despite an early break, Bautista Agut responded with three breaks of his own, capitalizing on Fearnley’s double faults.
Fearnley acknowledged the struggle: “It’s helpful to know that even hitting all those double faults I can still win the match. That’s a positive. There’s good days, there’s bad days. In recent big matches, the double faults have been a little bit of an issue.”
Nerves and Breakthrough Victory
The fourth set started with Bautista Agut taking the lead, but Fearnley fought back immediately with two breaks to regain control. He then closed out the match without facing another break point.
Reflecting on his performance, Fearnley added: “Even though I’ve had some pretty big match experience, it’s still all relatively new for me and being in these kind of moments and these matches, it still gives me a lot of nerves. Maybe more than it necessarily should. I’m sounding like I’m a nervous wreck, I’m not, I’m fine. Just sometimes in those big moments, I need to be a little bit more clear and that will come with experience. It’s not something I’m worried about.”
He concluded: “I’m pretty tired right now. I don’t really know what to make of it. Obviously to get over the line is really good. I was playing great first two sets and then got a little bit nervous and Roberto makes you earn it. When you’re nervous, that’s going to have its effect.”
Zverev Awaits in the Second Round
By sealing this victory, Fearnley avoided joining Sonay Kartal, Katie Boulter, Fran Jones, and Billy Harris in suffering first-round exits on Tuesday.
His next challenge will be against Alexander Zverev, who advanced with a straight-sets win over Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4. Zverev, who has spoken openly about mental struggles following Wimbledon, looked sharp on Arthur Ashe Stadium and did not drop serve throughout the match.
The second-round clash gives Fearnley a chance to avenge his straight-set defeats to Zverev earlier in 2025 at the Australian Open and Miami Open.
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