Jacob Fearnley responds when asked who was harder to play against out of Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev

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Jacob Fearnley was looking to advance to the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.

British tennis may have a new star on their hands as 23-year-old Fearnley impressed during the early rounds in Melbourne.

Fearnley beat Nick Kyrgios, 7-6, 6-3, 7-6, in the first round as he booked his spot in the last 64 of the Australian Open.

After advancing past French ATP youngster Arthur Cazaux in four sets in the second round, the world number 92 set up a blockbuster clash with Alexander Zverev.

It was there that Fearnley’s Australian Open dream ended, as he lost 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, to the two-time Grand Slam finalist.

After the match, the Brit was asked to compare his experience playing the world number two, with his match against one of tennis’ greatest ever players last year.

Jacob Fearnley says he felt ‘a bit less pressure’ when playing Novak Djokovic than Alexander Zverev

Following his defeat to Zverev, Fearnley was asked how the match compared to his contest with 24-time Slam winner Novak Djokovic last year.

“Obviously when I was playing [Novak] Djokovic, I think I was around 250 in the world, so there was a bit less pressure, I felt, on my end,” he said.

“But I don’t think the level was any different from Djokovic or Alex [Zverev].

“I think they’re both playing exceptional, they gave me rhythm, and they both let me rally.”

Fearnley lost to Djokovic in the second round of Wimbledon last year but gave the Serb a real scare when he took the first set.

During Friday’s encounter on Margaret Court Arena, Fearnley noticed an area of Zverev’s game that he thinks is more dangerous than Djokovic’s.

“I think Zverev’s serve is a little bit better than Novak’s was just because he is a bit taller,” he said.

“Obviously it’s Novak Djokovic and Alex Zverev, they’re both incredible tennis players.

“Yeah, both equally as challenging, I would say.”

Having been knocked out of the competition by Zverev, Fearnley was asked whether he would now like to see the German go on to win his first Major title.

“Of course,” he said.

“You always want the person that beat you to win it.

“He was very nice at the end, he said, great playing [you] and good luck.

“So it was really nice, it was cool to hear.”

Zverev had complimented Fearnley prior to the match, saying that he had ‘massive respect’ for the way the Brit worked his way onto the ATP Tour.

Does Alexander Zverev really have a better serve than Novak Djokovic?

Following his defeat to Zverev, the British number three claimed that the German star had a better serve than Djokovic, something that may come as a surprise, considering his comments at Wimbledon last year.

Fearnley described Djokovic’s serve as a ‘joke’ during their second round contest at SW19 in 2024.

The Brit may be somewhat confused as to who has the better serve, but what do the stats say?

There isn’t a whole lot to separate the pair, although many would say that Djokovic has a slight edge when comparing the two performances.

The Serb serve 14 aces during his encounter with Fearnley, seven more than what Zverev produced earlier on Friday.

Fearnley may just about give the edge to Zverev at the minute, but what can’t be denied is that the pair are two of the best servers on tour, and look like real contenders to win this year’s Australian Open.

Djokovic will continue his assault on a 11th title in Melbourne against Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, January 19, with Zverev taking on Ugo Humbert the same day.