Novak Djokovic was hugely impressed with young Scottish tennis talent Jacob Fearnley following their second-round match at Wimbledon this afternoon.
The British number 13 produced an excellent display to take a set off the Serb in a high-quality defeat to the seven-time champion of SW19.
The Edinburgh-born right-hander followed in the footsteps of compatriot Andy Murray by being able to take on Djokovic on Centre Court to continue his dream debut week at the Championships.
While Fearnley bowed out after a 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5 loss, the 22-year-old made the most of the occasion - and that earned the respect of Djokovic.
“First and foremost, huge congrats to Jacob for an amazing match today," the 24-time major champion said. "He put in a great effort and played very good tennis. He deserves a great round of applause.
“I haven’t had a chance to see him play. Two days ago I saw him for the first time. There’s always an element of surprise and nothing to lose with him playing at Wimbledon.
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“Most of the British players grow up being exposed to grass courts and quick surfaces, so they know exactly how to play. Very windy day, very challenging conditions, and I thought he served very well. It was very difficult to break his serve.
“He made me work definitely. I was probably a bit lucky in the fourth set not to go a break down. Maybe I could have won the match in three, but I think all in all this match potentially deserved to get into the fifth the way we both played, the way he played particularly in the fourth. But I’m very glad it didn’t.
“Today Jacob played at a high level and he made me earn this victory.”
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