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Jacob Fearnley wouldn't mind returning to the Australian Open's party court - but he won't be asking for it. The British No.3 had a big run in Melbourne last year, taking out home favourite Nick Kyrgios, then beating Arthur Cazaux on Court 6, which has a bar built into the stands.

It made for a lively atmosphere - a neighbouring match was even suspended and then moved to another, further court due to the noise. And Fearnley wouldn't mind returning to the party court again this year, which has seen some tweaks to the bar.

The world No.77 said: "It's a bit different this year.Tthey put a stand so it's not as many people, like, on the court. That was a fun environment. I liked it.

"Most of my supporters were on the floor, or on the court next to me. Yeah, not literally. But one of them was! It was a cool match. If I can get on that court again, that would be pretty cool. I wouldn't [ask to play there]. And I don't think they would listen to me. I'm quite low down the pecking order in terms of asking for courts."

Fearnley, 24, contested some high-profile matches last year, beating Kyrgios on his tournament debut and ultimately losing to world No.3 Alexander Zverev in the third round.

But the Brit now has a low-key opening match against Polish world No.58 Kamil Majchrzak. Fearnley added: "I'm happy to be playing Kamil. Yeah, we probably won't be on a big court. Like, Kamil is a great player. I don't think it would be like what it was last year, which is nice."

The 'party court' is one of the Australian Open's many innovations. This year, a 29-year-old tennis coach from Sydney won a million Aussie dollars in the 1 Point Slam - an exhibition event where professionals face amateurs in matches that consist of just one point.

And Fearnley, who played college tennis at Texas Christian University before turning professional, loves seeing what the organisers come up with. "Australian Open, I've said it, obviously I have a soft spot for Wimbledon, but I think it's one of the best tournaments of the year," he said.

"I think the fan interactions, all the stuff they are doing behind the scenes. I know they have added exhibitions, a bit more exhibitions this year. Yeah, they're obviously trying to do more things to make it more fun for the players and also for the fans.

"I think there's a nice buzz around the grounds, around the locker room. And I think, yeah, it's a great tournament."