Arthur Fery made a big impression on the first day of the Australian Open when he upset 20th seed Flavio Cobolli in straight sets.
My first time playing a main draw Slam outside of Wimbledon and it didn’t disappoint on such a great court with great fans Arthur Fery
The 23-year-old Fery, who had gone through the qualifying tournament to make his debut in the first major of the season, won 7-6(1) 6-4 6-1 to record his second victory at Grand Slam level, having also recorded a first-round victory at the championships last year.
(Photo by Martin KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
“Incredible experience here,” the Londoner 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.”
Like fellow American Cameron Norrie, who was scheduled to play his opener later in the day, Fery is a product of the American collegiate system having attended Stanford University in Southern California.
Currently ranked 185th, he produced excellent shots during the two hour and 12 minute clash, converting six of his 10 break point chances.
Cobolli, meanwhile, required a medical timeout after just three games and received several visits from the doctor during the match. The Italian apparently struggled to control a stomach problem and was therefore unable to find an answer to the British’s ruthless play.
Major disappointment for Cobolli, the world number 22, who had helped his Italian Davis Cup team to a third consecutive title last November with dramatic victories against Spain and, in the semi-final, Belgium.
When Fery’s mother Olivia heard that her son had qualified for the main event, she flew to Melbourne to witness his success in person, a gesture that was undoubtedly much appreciated.
“They are both extremely supportive,” he said of his parents. “Not only now, but for the past 10 to 15 years I have also been exercising.
“It’s important to acknowledge their help, not only now that I’m having success, but also during the bad times of the last two years” – when he suffered several injuries, most notably a bruised bone in his arm, stating: “It’s been a long journey.”
Fery will face Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry, the world number 61 who defeated Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Cameron Norrie celebrates his victory in the first lap of the marathon
. (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)
He was joined in the second round by 26th seed Cameron Norrie, who had to battle for his five-set victory over Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi.
The 30-year-old former British No.1, making his eighth appearance in Melbourne, showed his characteristic resilience to meet a strong challenge 6-0 6-7(2) 4-6 6-3 6-4 and will next face Emilio Nava, following the American’s 6-2 7-5 6-7(5) 4-6 7-6(6) victory over France’s Kylian Jacquet.
#Melbourne #Fery #opens #British #challenge