Tennis Fearnley overcomes his nerves to reach second round

JACOB Fearnley provided a bright end to a disappointing day for Britain at the US Open, despite serving 18 double faults in a debut victory.

- Eleanor CROOKS

The Scot admitted nerves got the better of him as he tried to close out a late-night victory against Roberto Bautista Agut, but he regrouped to claim a 7-5, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win.

After defeats for Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Fran Jones and Billy Harris earlier, Fearnley was relieved to avoid a blank for British players as he joined Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie in round two.

“I'm pretty tired right now,” said Fearnley. “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.”

Fearnley’s service woes began early on but reached a nadir in the third set, where he was broken three times and hit eight double faults, nearly all at crucial moments.