Ganesh Kendale
Despite being unable to beat a top-40 player for the first time, Fearnley looks likely to consolidate his place in the top 100 after a fine week in the Swedish capital.
Stepping up to the top-level ATP Tour, Fearnley won two qualifying matches before beating tricky Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the first round of the main draw to reach the last 16.
The three victories in Stockholm came on the back of two successive titles on the Challenger Tour, which is the tier of events below the main tour.
Fearnley hopes to earn a spot in the qualifying draw for the upcoming ATP indoor event in Swiss city Basel next week.
His aim over the coming weeks is securing his place in the top 100 and earning direct entry into January’s Australian Open as a result.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Britain’s Harriet Dart lost 6-3 6-2 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson in a WTA 250 event in Osaka, Japan.
Dart, 28, reached a career-high of 70th last month and is looking to finish an encouraging season strongly.
