This time last year, Fearnley was ranked outside of the world’s top 500 and still studying at Texas Christian University in the United States.

After a meteoric rise since turning professional in June, he is set to reach a new career high after moving into the Miami second round.

Fearnley could break into the top 70 if he goes further at the Masters tournament – the tier of ATP events below the four Grand Slams – although German top seed Alexander Zverev awaits on Friday.

It is a rematch of their Australian Open fourth-round meeting, which three-time Grand Slam finalist Zverev won 6-3 6-4 6-4 on his way to the Melbourne final.

The physical and mental toughness Fearnley showed to beat Bonzi was impressive.

Fearnley needed a medical timeout before the deciding set, laying out on the court for treatment in the left hip area.

While he lost serve in the opening game, the Briton recovered the break instantly as more aggressive returning and going for his shots paid off.

“It was extremely difficult, I was feeling my left leg twitching a bit but I had to dig deep,” Fearnley told Sky Sports.

“I wanted no part of a rally so I was either missing it or hitting a winner. I had to go for it.”