LONDON — British tennis hopeful Jacob Fearnley suffered a disappointing defeat at the cinch Championships at Queen’s Club, falling to Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) in a match where the scorching London heat appeared to take its toll on the young Brit.
The 22-year-old Fearnley, who had stunned the tennis world just days earlier by defeating world No. 7 Holger Rune in a thrilling three-setter, struggled to replicate that form against Hijikata. The Australian, ranked No. 87 in the world, exacted revenge after losing to Fearnley in a Challenger event earlier this year, capitalizing on the Brit’s unforced errors and fading stamina.
Fearnley admitted afterward that the conditions played a role: "It was brutal out there. The heat was relentless, and I just couldn’t find my rhythm. Rinky played a smart match, kept the pressure on, and I couldn’t respond the way I wanted to."
A Promising Start Cut Short
Fearnley had entered the match with confidence after his career-best win over Rune, but the physical toll of that marathon encounter—combined with the sweltering 30°C (86°F) temperatures—left him visibly drained. Despite holding serve early, he was broken twice in the first set as Hijikata’s aggressive baseline game forced errors.
Key factors in the match included:
- Fearnley’s first-serve percentage dropping to 58%, well below his usual standard
- Hijikata’s relentless returning, winning 42% of Fearnley’s second serves
- The Brit’s unforced error count climbing to 28, compared to Hijikata’s 15
Hijikata’s Revenge Mission
For Hijikata, the win was particularly sweet after his loss to Fearnley in Nottingham last month. The 23-year-old Australian, known for his tenacity, adjusted his tactics to exploit Fearnley’s fatigue, mixing deep groundstrokes with well-timed drop shots.
"I knew Jacob was coming off a big win, and the conditions were tough," Hijikata said post-match. "I just tried to stay solid, make him work for every point, and take my chances when they came."
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Hijikata’s coach, Mark Draper, revealed that they had studied Fearnley’s match against Rune closely. "We noticed Jacob struggled a bit with high balls to his backhand in the heat, so we made that a focal point," Draper explained.
The strategy worked, as Fearnley’s backhand—usually a reliable weapon—broke down under pressure. By the second set, the Brit was frequently leaning on his racket between points, a clear sign of exhaustion.
What’s Next for Fearnley?
Despite the loss, Fearnley’s run at Queen’s has been a breakthrough. His ranking is set to rise inside the top 200 for the first time, and he has earned a wildcard into Wimbledon, where he will make his Grand Slam main-draw debut.
British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith praised Fearnley’s resilience: "Jacob has shown he belongs at this level. The heat was a factor today, but he’ll learn from this and come back stronger. His future is very bright."
Conclusion: A Learning Experience
While the defeat stings, Fearnley’s performance this week has cemented his status as one of Britain’s most promising young talents. The challenge now will be managing the physical demands of the tour—especially in extreme conditions—as he prepares for Wimbledon.
As for Hijikata, he moves on to face fifth-seeded Tommy Paul in the next round, where he’ll look to continue his momentum. For Fearnley, the focus shifts to recovery and preparation for SW19, where he’ll hope to make another statement on home soil.