This time last year Jacob Fearnley was preparing to represent the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University against the Wildcats of Abilene.
Twelve months and 450 places in the world rankings later, he is readying himself to take on world No2 and Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev on Friday in the third round of the Australian Open.
‘A different atmosphere, for sure,’ said Fearnley when asked to contrast those encounters. ‘To come on the winning side of these matches (his first two rounds) gives me a lot of belief, but I'm also aware there's different levels and obviously playing Zverev on Friday will be another massive test.
‘I've never hit with him, I only walked past him for the first time just now. You don't realise how big he is and he's got a bit of aura surrounding him for sure.’
The 23-year-old Fearnley is a massive underdog against Zverev but so far he has risen to every challenge with which this sport has presented him. A match against one of the favourites for the Australian Open title should offer an excellent barometer of his level.
Talking to Fearnley, he appears almost bewildered at times by the velocity of his progress. He has gone from 525th in the world to 77th and will earn around £150,000 from his work this week. Having beaten Nick Kyrgios in the first round he is also acquiring some local celebrity.
‘I had one person recognise me,’ he said. ‘He was getting in the car and he sprinted over from the other end of the street. He was like, “Are you the guy that played Nick?” and we took a selfie.’
On the financial windfall, he added: ‘I don't really think about the prize money until after the tournament but having money to pay for a team and all that stuff, I treat those things like investments: spending that money helps make me more money and helps me become a better tennis player.’
Wednesday was a double celebration for Fearnley: a second-round win against Frenchman Arthur Cazaux and his three-year anniversary with girlfriend Keagan Polk.
Polk is a beach volleyball player for Texas Christian University, where she met Fearnley, and she is here in Melbourne lending her support.
Her man will need all the support he can get against Zverev.
