Facing 37-year-old Djokovic on Centre Court was Fearnley’s reward for a marvellous summer on the British grass courts.
Ranked outside the world’s top 500 last month, Fearnley won the Nottingham Open for his first title on the ATP Challenger Tour and was given a wildcard for the Wimbledon main draw as a result.
He said he “froze” watching Friday’s draw as the realisation dawned he could be pitted against Djokovic.
But Fearnley more than warmed to the task when he saw one of his idols, who he had watched “countless” times on television, on the opposite side of the net.
A competitive start saw Fearnley confidently hold his opening three service games in the first two sets, and create a break point at 2-1 up in the second, before being worn down by Djokovic’s relentless returning.
Fearnley lost serve at 2-2 in the third set and Djokovic’s passionate celebration was a sign of how much he was being pushed.
However, Fearnley refused to be disheartened.
He broke straight back for 3-3, saved two more break points for a 5-4 lead, then pinched the third set with another break to the delight of the jubilant home fans.
Fearnley continued to play calmly and fearlessly and, at 4-5 and 15-30 in the fourth, was two points away from levelling the match.
But Djokovic found his first serve just when it mattered to hang on and, after Fearnley blinked with a double fault on break point at 5-5, moved into the last 32 without needing to go the distance.
Djokovic is still recovering from knee surgery he had last month, but offered few physical excuses as he praised his opponent.
“Again, credit to Jacob. On my side, I should have done some things better when I was a break up in the third,” said Djokovic, who will face Australian world number 46 Alexei Popyrin next.
“Can I be playing better and moving better? Absolutely. I hope as the tournament progresses I’ll be feeling much better.”
