British tennis star praised by Novak Djokovic set to break into world's top 100

Jacob Fearnley took a set off Djokovic at Wimbledon and showed it wasn't a fluke after winning his fourth ATP Challenger Tour title of the year

Britain's Jacob Fearnley will break into the world's top 100 after winning a fourth ATP Challenger Tour title of the year with victory over Harold Mayot at the Orleans Open.

The 23-year-old, who was born in Scotland, came through 6-3 7-6 (7-5) against Frenchman Mayot on Sunday. Fearnley only left Texas Christian University in the United States a few months ago, but had climbed 500 places in the rankings to 126 in just three months after also winning Challenger titles in Nottingham, Lincoln (USA) and Rennes.

When the men's singles list is updated on Monday, Fearnley - who had played Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, where he took a set off the seven-time champion on Centre Court during his second-round defeat - is set to be ranked 98th. Britain's Davis Cup captain Leon Smith had spoken of Fearnley's potential following the team's matches in Manchester earlier this month.

"He has gone really quickly. It is really impressive," Smith said. "The way he is going, he will be part of (GB) squads in the future for sure. It is one thing going up the rankings, but you also see his quality. You look at the players that he's been beating."

Meanwhile, Jack Draper retired injured from his quarter-final clash with France's Ugo Humbert at the Japan Open.

The British number one received on-court treatment for an apparent abdominal issue at 5-4 down in the opening set. Draper, playing his first ATP Tour tournament since his run to the semi-finals of the US Open earlier this month, initially continued before pulling out while trailing 7-5 2-1.

The 22-year-old had his stomach muscles massaged during the medical timeout but continued to look in discomfort. World number 19 Humbert, who is ranked a place higher than Draper, will take on Czech player Tomas Machac for a place in the final.

Following the coin toss and warm-up, the start of the match was briefly delayed by rain, with the players leaving the court as the roof was closed. Draper and Humbert were each broken twice in the opening nine games before the former called for the physios.

The Briton, who lay at the side of the court for treatment, then successfully served to stay in the first set. But he was broken in his next service game as fellow left-hander Humbert seized the initiative with a stunning cross-court forehand.

Draper managed a further three games before trudging from court after calling time on the contest.