At times Gaston – ranked roughly the same as Fearnley in the high 80s – had no answer to the power and accuracy of Fearnley who made light of only arriving in Belgium yesterday from Italy where he reached a Challenger final on Sunday.

The ultra clinical Fearnley knew exactly where he latest success started and finished, remarking in an on-court interview: “Luckily I had a good serving day … but even at the end Hugo was tricky.

“I was playing pretty aggressive tennis, getting good depth from the back of the court.

“He didn’t get to do what he likes to do.

“I’m pleased because I’ve had a quick turn around.”

Jacob now plays another Frenchman, qualifier Clement Chidekh, but although he is ranked 152 danger lurks.

In reaching the last 16 Chidekh ousted world No 38 Botic van de Zandschulp 6-1, 6-4 in a big upset, hitting 18 winners and succeeding on 77% of his first serves along the way.