British tennis player Jacob Fearnley has opted to delete his Instagram account in the lead-up to his highly anticipated Australian Open debut against local favorite Nick Kyrgios. The decision comes after Fearnley found himself inundated with messages that he felt were distracting him from his focus. As he prepares to face Kyrgios, whose matches are known for attracting significant attention, Fearnley is determined to maintain his concentration.
This year’s Australian Open marks Kyrgios’ first appearance at the tournament since 2022, promising an electrifying atmosphere at Melbourne Park. Fearnley, currently ranked No. 86 in the world, is aware of the challenges that come with playing in front of a passionate home crowd. Reflecting on previous experiences, he noted the intensity of the environment, recalling how fellow Brit Liam Broady faced a raucous crowd during their first-round match against Kyrgios in 2021, which Broady described as “an awful experience” due to the verbal abuse he received from spectators.
“I’ve been to some pretty hostile environments,” Fearnley stated, acknowledging the potential for similar treatment. “You just have to ignore it and move on.” Despite the anticipated pressure, he remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the experience and focusing on his performance. Fearnley recently reached the semifinals at the Canberra Challenger, while Kyrgios is looking to rebound after a first-round loss in Brisbane to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, marking his return to ATP singles competition after an 18-month hiatus.
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