Fearnley and Dart Stage Remarkable US Open Comebacks
Jacob Fearnley recovered from 5-2 down in the fourth set to beat Martin Landaluce in five sets at the US Open. Harriet Dart also came from behind to defeat Peyton Stearns 3-6 6-3 6-2. Both Britons advanced to the second round, joining Toby Samuel and Katie Boulter.
Fearnley entered the main draw only after Joao Fonseca withdrew late, having lost his final qualifying match. His comeback echoed a July Challenger final in Newport where he rallied from 5-1 down, a memory he drew upon during Tuesday's match. He finished with 30 winners against Landaluce's 11 across the final two sets.
Dart had not won a Grand Slam main-draw match since January 2025, failing to qualify for four of six subsequent majors. She began working with 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli in January, and her family attended Tuesday's match. She has now reached the US Open second round for the third time.
These results could boost British tennis participation and viewership, particularly among younger players who see comeback victories as proof that perseverance pays off. Fearnley's lucky-loser run and Dart's breakthrough may also shift public perception of British tennis depth beyond established stars, potentially increasing grassroots interest and media coverage of lower-ranked players. However, the impact remains limited to dedicated tennis fans unless either progresses significantly deeper into the tournament.