At just 23 years old, Jacob Fearnley has shot up the tennis rankings in an astonishing way — from 525th in the world to 54th in just one year.
For many, he’s still a bit of a mystery, but those who follow the sport closely know this Scottish-born player is someone special, and the best is yet to come.
A Nod from Jack Draper and Early Recognition
Jack Draper, Britain’s current No 1, recently spoke highly of Fearnley in Madrid, saying, “The public don’t know much about him yet, but I think he can be one of the best players in the world.”
Draper isn’t just a fellow Brit — he’s a childhood friend who has watched Fearnley’s talent grow firsthand.
While casual fans may just be hearing about Jacob now, insiders have quietly followed his rapid rise.
From Scotland to Texas: The Making of a Player
Though born in Worcester, England, Fearnley was raised near Edinburgh in Dalkeith from just 18 months old.
His passion for tennis was sparked by his grandfather, who literally built him his first wooden racket.
“That racket still sits in my room,” Jacob says, smiling.
His early days included playing volleys on the grass with his granddad — memories that planted the seed for his tennis journey.
Family sports runs deep: his mum plays tennis and squash, and his dad enjoys badminton.
But tragedy struck when his grandfather passed away just before Jacob left for college.
That early inspiration, however, stayed with him.
Discovering His Potential
When he was eight, a Tennis Scotland coach named Derek Croll noticed Jacob’s natural ability during a match against his mum.
That chance encounter led to trials and soon, a budding career was underway.
As a junior player, Jacob even defeated some current top-five stars like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and, of course, Draper in their youth.
Choosing College Over Turning Pro
Many top players turn professional in their teens, so why did Jacob opt for college tennis in Texas instead? He says it was never really a choice — he wasn’t mentally or physically ready.
“I played Alcaraz when he was 15, and he was already traveling with a team of five.
I was two years older and barely edged him. It was clear he was special.”
Money was a big factor too. Unlike Draper, whose family was well-connected in British tennis circles, Fearnley’s family didn’t have the resources to support a pro career right away.
“I only got funding after college to afford a coach,” he explains.
A Special Friendship with Jack Draper
Despite their different paths, Jacob and Jack formed a strong bond playing junior tournaments together, even winning the Under 12s Winter Cup for Great Britain as a team.
Their careers diverged for a while — Draper pushed ahead on the pro tour, while Fearnley went to college — but now they’ve reunited on the circuit.
Embracing Life in Texas
Moving from Scotland to Fort Worth, Texas, was a big culture shock.
“I thought there would be a sea of cowboy hats — and there was!” Jacob laughs.
The first six months were tough; he wanted to go home.
But soon, he fell in love with the team environment, the culture, and the training.
“I grew up a lot mentally and physically during those five years.”
Unlike the pro tour, college life allowed him to experience being a ‘normal’ student — going out, making mistakes, and figuring himself out away from the pressure of constant competition.
Finding the Right Coach and Support
At TCU, Jacob connected with Juan Martin, a coach with a heart of gold and a backstory of his own.
After multiple hip surgeries dashed Juan’s dreams of playing pro, he turned to coaching and became a vital part of Fearnley’s journey.
“From the start, I knew he was a humble, sweet guy,” Martin says.
Now with a solid support team including former college mentors and LTA coaches, Fearnley has the backing he lacked as a junior.
Making Waves on the Pro Circuit
Since leaving college last May, Jacob has taken the tennis world by storm.
He helped TCU win its first national championship and quickly climbed through the Challenger Tour ranks to compete at ATP level.
He even made it to the third round of the Madrid Masters in his first-ever clay-court event.
What’s Next for Jacob Fearnley?
Standing at 6ft tall, Fearnley doesn’t have the towering height of Draper, but he plays with a smooth, whippy power and is very comfortable at the net — a skill honed during those early days volleying with his grandfather’s homemade racket.
His coach Juan Martin agrees with Draper’s high praise: “The sky’s the limit for him.
He believes in himself and backs it up when it counts.”
When asked if he sees himself winning a Grand Slam — a feat last achieved by a US college player in John McEnroe’s day — Jacob is thoughtful.
“Right now, I don’t think I could win one. I’m still evolving. But I believe in the work I’m doing and the team around me.
If everything lines up, why can’t I be one of the best in the world?”
Playing to Be the Best Version of Himself
Above all, Jacob says his goal is to be the best version of himself.
Whether that means ranking 30th, 54th, or higher, it’s about giving his all and staying true to his journey.
“As long as I can look in the mirror and say I gave it everything, I’m happy.”