Kyrgios is coming into the match having only played two singles matches since October 2022 as he struggled with a wrist injury. The former world No.13 admitted that he was feeling it after his first match back in Brisbane but is now set and ready to go in Melbourne.

The British star has a lot of admiration for his opponent and having watched him many times over the years, knows to expect the unexpected come game time.

“I think the best thing I can do is just try and enjoy it as best as I can,” Fearnley said. “Obviously focusing on myself is one thing, but I understand that’s going to be difficult to do so I’ll just try and enjoy it and embrace it. It’s still early in my career and to have an opportunity like this is pretty cool.

“Nick has played some big matches and there’s a lot of stuff out there, so I’ll probably watch them. He definitely keeps you on your toes when you’re out there, so you don’t really know what to expect.

“I’m a huge fan. Some people don’t agree with the stuff that he does, but I think he’s great for the sport. His viewership, he puts people on seats and that’s great for the sport – you can’t take anything away from him on that front. What he does on a tennis court is pretty incredible.”

It’s been a whirlwind few months for the now British No.3 as he has adapted to life on tour.

After winning the NCAA Championship with TCU at the start of the year, Fearnley went on to capture four ATP Challenger titles in 2024 – only the second Brit ever to do so (Jack Draper, 2022) – get his first major victory at Wimbledon and last week was announced as part of the Davis Cup team for the first time.

One of those highlight experiences was getting to face 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic on Centre Court at Wimbledon, where he managed to take a set off the Serbian.

“It was a huge thing for me to have experienced,” he said. “Playing in front of a big stadium like that. Obviously, I felt like the crowd was a bit more on my side as it was at Wimbledon and I’m British, playing my home Slam.

“The main difference is going to be that there won’t be much support for me, but I can take a lot from that experience. The way I was able to handle it I thought I did a good job and hopefully I can keep improving the maturity in those moments, but every match is new.

“I’ve definitely surprised myself (in how far he’s come in six months). It’s not something I expected or set myself as a goal, but it’s really cool and I’m trying to embrace all these moments that are coming my way. I’m grateful for the opportunity I have and the position I’m in. It’s pretty crazy but I’m excited.”

“I’ve had moments of realisation, especially while I’ve been out here in Australia of like woah, this is pretty cool and it’s a big step forward.”

Catch Fearnley against Kyrgios in the final match of the day on John Cain Arena on Monday 13 January.