Arthur Fery, number 185 in the world, scores the first time the Australian Open starts | ATP tour | Tennis

Australian Open

Fery, number 185 in the world, scores for the first time at the Australian Open

The 23-year-old loses Cobolli from the 20th series to take his third victory on tour level
January 18, 2026

British qualifier Arthur Fery secured the first victory in the men’s draw of the 2026 Australian Open on Sunday when he upset 20th seed Flavio Cobolli 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-1.

“Incredible experience here,” Fery said in his on-court interview. “My first time playing a main draw Slam outside of Wimbledon, and it didn’t disappoint on such a great court with great fans.”

The 23-year-old Fery has won two of his three tour victories at Slam level. Last year at Wimbledon, the then No. 461 in the PIF ATP Rankings stunned Alexei Popyrin in the opening round. Fittingly enough, Popyrin was the twentieth seed, the same seed that ousted Fery Down Under.

Fery, a former two-time ITA All-American at Stanford University, produced excellent shots during the two-hour, 12-minute clash, converting six of his 10 break point chances. Cobolli took a medical timeout after three matches and had several visits from the doctor during the match, apparently struggling with a stomach problem. The world number 22 was unable to find a rhythm and counter Fery’s fearless basic play at the John Cain Arena.

Fery, who started the season’s first major at career-high No. 185 in the PIF ATP rankings, will look to build on his momentum against Miomir Kecmanovic or Tomas Martin Etcheverry.