CINCINNATI — Britain’s Jacob Fearnley saw his Cincinnati Open campaign come to an early end after a straight-sets defeat to Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the first round of the ATP Masters 1000 event on Monday.
The 22-year-old wildcard, who made headlines earlier this year with a strong showing at Wimbledon, struggled to find his rhythm against the world No. 129, falling 6-3, 6-2 in just 68 minutes. Bergs, a qualifier, capitalized on Fearnley’s inconsistent serve and aggressive baseline play to secure his first main-draw win in Cincinnati.
A Tough Start for Fearnley
Fearnley, ranked No. 203, entered the tournament with high hopes after his breakthrough performance at Wimbledon, where he pushed world No. 7 Alexander Zverev to four sets. However, the transition to hard courts proved challenging. "It’s a different surface, different conditions, and I’m still adjusting," Fearnley admitted in his post-match press conference.
Bergs, meanwhile, looked sharp from the outset, breaking Fearnley’s serve twice in the opening set. The Belgian’s aggressive net play and precise forehand winners kept the Brit on the back foot. Fearnley’s first-serve percentage dipped to just 52%, and he struggled to defend against Bergs’ relentless attacks. "He played really well today, and I couldn’t find my best level," Fearnley conceded.
Key Moments of the Match
The match turned decisively in Bergs’ favor early in the second set. A crucial break in the third game gave the Belgian momentum, and he never looked back. Fearnley’s frustrations grew as unforced errors piled up:
- Break Points: Fearnley failed to convert any of his three break opportunities.
- Unforced Errors: The Brit committed 28 unforced errors compared to Bergs’ 12.
- Net Play: Bergs won 14 of 17 net approaches, while Fearnley managed just 5 of 10.
Bergs sealed the victory with a forehand winner down the line, advancing to the second round where he will face 14th seed Ben Shelton. "I’m happy with how I played today," Bergs said. "Jacob is a talented player, but I stayed focused and took my chances."
Looking Ahead for Fearnley
Despite the loss, Fearnley remains optimistic about his progress this season. The former TCU standout has climbed over 300 ranking spots since January, thanks to strong performances on the Challenger Tour and his Wimbledon run. "It’s been a learning curve, but I’m taking a lot of positives from this year," he said.
His immediate focus will shift to the US Open qualifying tournament, where he hopes to secure a main-draw spot. "I’ll work on a few things in practice and try to be ready for New York," Fearnley added. His coach, former British No. 1 Colin Fleming, emphasized the need for consistency: "Jacob has the game to compete at this level, but he needs more matches under his belt."
Reactions from the Tennis World
British tennis fans expressed disappointment on social media, but many acknowledged the challenges Fearnley faces as a rising player. Former Davis Cup captain John Lloyd noted, "It’s a tough ask for a young player to adapt quickly to the ATP Tour. Jacob has the potential, but patience is key."
Bergs, meanwhile, continues his resurgence after injury setbacks in 2023. The 24-year-old has won two Challenger titles this year and is closing in on a career-high ranking. "This win gives me confidence," he said. "I’m playing my best tennis right now, and I want to keep pushing forward."
For Fearnley, the Cincinnati Open may be over, but the lessons from this match will be valuable as he aims to establish himself on the ATP Tour. "Every match is a step forward," he said. "I’ll keep working."