Did Alexander Zverev deliberately keep Jacob Fearnley waiting at the US Open? The British star certainly thinks so, alleging gamesmanship from the world No.3! Adding to the drama, Fearnley also revealed a mid-match injury concern. What really goes on behind the scenes at Grand Slams?

British tennis player Jacob Fearnley has ignited a fresh controversy at the US Open, accusing world No. 3 Alexander Zverev of deliberate gamesmanship by keeping him waiting before their second-round match, an incident that precedes Fearnley’s revelation of a shoulder injury sustained during the contest.

Fearnley explicitly stated that Alexander Zverev’s actions, which included a prolonged delay before taking to the court, were a calculated tactic. The Scot suggested this was not an isolated incident, referencing a similar encounter in Australia where Zverev allegedly employed comparable delaying tactics against lower-ranked opponents, implying a pattern of behavior aimed at unsettling his adversaries in competitive tennis.

“He knows what he’s doing,” Jacob Fearnley remarked, expressing his frustration with the German’s pre-match conduct. This direct accusation highlights a growing tension within professional tennis regarding player conduct and the psychological warfare that can occur before a ball is even served, especially in high-stakes Grand Slam events like the US Open.

The world No. 60 also confessed his surprise regarding the intense atmosphere within Louis Armstrong Stadium, admitting the sheer volume of noise caught him off guard. This unexpected environmental factor, coupled with the pre-match delay, potentially added to the pressure faced by the British hopeful during his 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat.

Beyond the gamesmanship allegations, Fearnley disclosed a significant tennis injury concern, revealing he felt “a little pop in my shoulder” while serving. This physical setback now casts a shadow over his participation in the upcoming Davis Cup tie next month, necessitating medical consultation to determine the extent of the damage.

The issue of players being kept waiting is not unprecedented in professional tennis. Notably, Cameron Norrie and Novak Djokovic exchanged strong words after their 2023 Rome Masters encounter, where Norrie accused the Serbian superstar of a similar pre-match delay. These recurring incidents underscore a potential need for clearer regulations or stricter enforcement regarding player punctuality and ethical gamesmanship.

Despite the contentious build-up, Zverev reportedly offered praise at the net after his victory, commenting, “Where did that come from? Well played.” Jacob Fearnley further elaborated on the challenging conditions, reiterating the difficulty of the “loud environment” and his initial surprise, even questioning the umpire about the noise levels.

While acknowledging the need to consult a doctor for his tennis injury, Fearnley remained relatively optimistic about his shoulder issue, stating, “I’m not too concerned.” This hopeful outlook, despite the disruption to his immediate playing schedule, provides a nuanced end to a US Open experience marked by both alleged gamesmanship and physical challenges.