“For the LTA and Wimbledon boards to think I’m worthy of a wild card is really special and it makes me really happy. To get the chance to play on Wimbledon courts again is really special.”
Fearnley made a sluggish start, allowing Sweeny to take early control with a double break for a 5-2 lead. However, the Brit settled into the contest, loosening up his groundstrokes and fighting back to level the set before forcing a tie-break.
The breaker proved to be a lengthy battle, lasting a marathon 32 points. The pair traded mini-breaks throughout, with Fearnley digging up five set points. However, Sweeny eventually converted on his seventh opportunity when Fearnley sent an overhead into the net.
Despite falling short in a gruelling end to the opener, the British No.4 quickly dusted off the disappointment and re-grouped well for the remainder of the match. The 24-year-old won 87% (13/15) of points behind his first serve in the second set and converted his chances well to break twice and force a decider.
Fearnley carried that momentum into the final set, racing into a 4–0 lead and maintaining his intensity to the finish. He wrapped up the win in style with a love hold, completing an impressive comeback in front of his home fans.
In the second round, Fearnley faces second seed Benjamin Bonzi. A victory there could set up an all-British clash with Jay Clarke, should the 27-year-old overcome Australia’s Christopher O’Connell.
Catch up with the latest results from Nottingham
