Arthur Fery says he feels no extra pressure despite now holding the British No.1 ranking as he gears up for his first tournament back since his remarkable Wimbledon semi‑final run. The 23‑year‑old made history by becoming only the fifth British man in the Open Era to reach the Wimbledon men’s singles semifinals, a breakthrough that catapulted him into the ATP top‑40 for the first time. After a brief hiatus, he has chosen to skip the Canadian Open in order to arrive fresh for the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. "It’s an honour to be the No.1 in Britain, but I’m not going to add any extra pressure on myself," Fery told Sky Sports.
"I’ll just take each match as it comes, keep putting in the work day after day, both in practice and on tour, and see where that takes me. That’s the approach that has worked for me so far, so I’ll keep moving in the same direction." Fery’s immediate goal is to secure a seeding for the year’s final Grand Slam, the US Open, which kicks off on August 30. A deep run in Cincinnati would give him the ranking points needed to guarantee a seed and avoid a tough opening‑round draw. To prepare, he has been training in London since Wimbledon but flew to Ohio earlier this week to acclimatise to the Midwestern conditions – the humidity, the slower hard courts and the time zone shift.
He also noted that fellow players have been especially welcoming as he navigates the rapid rise in his profile. The British player reflected on the outpouring of support he received during Wimbledon: "Throughout the fortnight it was incredible to feel so many fans behind me.
I had never experienced that level of backing before, and it made the whole experience even more special." He added that the atmosphere in Cincinnati feels different but equally motivating: "Now, playing my second Masters 1000 main draw, I’m excited to take on the tough events ahead and see how far I can push myself this year." While Fery enjoys a first‑round bye as a seeded player in Cincinnati, other British hopefuls are also on the card. Jack Draper has been granted a wildcard and could potentially meet Novak Djokovic in the third round if he navigates past Spanish rising star Martín Landeluce and Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi. Draper, who recently shed tears after a first‑round loss to Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open, will be hoping his arm injury – which has flared up intermittently – does not hamper his performance. Cameron Norrie will open his campaign against Croatia’s Dino Prizmić, while Jan Choinski faces Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante.
In the women’s draw, Katie Boulter remains the sole British representative and will take on American Katie Volynets. The Cincinnati Open runs from August 13 to August 24, providing a crucial warm‑up for the US Open later that month. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, via the NOW streaming service, or through the Sky Sports app. Beyond the immediate tournament narrative, Fery’s ascent underscores a broader resurgence of British men’s tennis.
Since the days of Andy Murray’s dominance, the UK has struggled to produce consistent top‑50 players. Fery’s breakthrough at Wimbledon, coupled with his rapid climb in the rankings, signals a potential new era.
His calm demeanor and refusal to succumb to the weight of expectation may serve as a template for younger players facing similar pressure. Looking ahead, Fery’s team has outlined a schedule that balances high‑profile events with strategic rest periods. After Cincinnati, the plan includes a brief recovery block before the US Open, followed by a selective European swing in the autumn.
The aim is to maintain momentum while avoiding burnout – a common pitfall for players who break through suddenly. In interviews, Fery has emphasized the importance of incremental improvement: "I focus on one match, one training session at a time. The big picture is important, but I don’t let it distract me from the work I need to do each day." His approach resonates with his coaching staff, who have praised his professionalism and willingness to adapt. They note that his decision to skip the Canadian Open, while unconventional, was a calculated move to preserve his physical condition and mental freshness for the Masters 1000 event.
As the Cincinnati Open approaches, the British tennis community watches with anticipation. Whether Fery can translate his Wimbledon magic onto the hard courts of Ohio will be a key indicator of his versatility and long‑term potential. Regardless of the outcome, his measured attitude and clear focus suggest that he is well‑equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead, both on the court and in the ever‑growing spotlight that accompanies his new status as Britain’s top male player.