Arthur Fery maintains that he feels no extra pressure despite having just become Britain’s new No.1 in men’s tennis, and he is set to make his first appearance back on court this weekend after a spell of rest following his sensational Wimbledon semi‑final run. The 23‑year‑old’s breakthrough at the All‑England Club was historic: he became only the fifth British male in the Open Era to reach the last four at Wimbledon, a feat that propelled him into the ATP top‑40 for the first time in his career.
Prior to the tournament, his ranking had lingered around 198, but the surge in points earned in London has catapulted him into a position of national prominence. In order to preserve his physical freshness, Fery deliberately skipped the Canadian Open, opting instead for a brief recovery period. He will now travel to the United States to compete at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, a tournament that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. Speaking to Sky Sports, Fery emphasized that being the British No.1 is an honour rather than a burden.
“It’s obviously a privilege to be No 1 in Britain. I’m not going to put any added pressure on myself,” he said. “I’ll just take each match as it comes, keep working hard day in and day out, both in practice and at tournaments, and see where that takes me.
That’s the approach I’ve taken this year and it’s paid off so far, so I’ll keep moving in the same direction.” Fery’s immediate goal is to secure a favourable seed for the US Open, which begins on August 30. A strong showing in Cincinnati could solidify his ranking and ensure he does not have to face another top‑seeded opponent early in the season’s final Grand Slam. To that end, he has been training intensively in London since the conclusion of Wimbledon, but he flew to Ohio earlier this week to acclimatise to the different climate and court conditions that he will encounter in the American Midwest. The young Briton also noted the warm reception he has received from fellow players on the tour, which has helped him adjust to the sudden spotlight that comes with a rapid rise in the rankings.
“All the way through the fortnight, it was just incredible to have so much support. I’d never had that amount of people and fans behind me, so that was really special,” he reflected. “Now here in Cincinnati, playing my second Masters 1000 main draw, I’m really looking forward to tackling all these tough events this year.” While Fery prepares for his own matches, other British players are also making headlines at the Cincinnati Open. Jack Draper has been awarded a wild‑card entry and could potentially meet Novak Djokovic in the third round, should he navigate past Spanish up‑and‑comer Martín Landeluce and Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in the opening rounds.
Draper, who is still recovering from an emotional first‑round loss to Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open and a lingering arm injury, will be hoping to stay fit for the demanding schedule ahead. Cameron Norrie is set to face Croatia’s Dino Prizmic, while Jan Choinski will take on Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante. In the women’s draw, Katie Boulter remains the sole British representative and will contest a match against American Katie Volynets. Fery himself enjoys a bye into the second round thanks to his seeded status, giving him a little extra time to fine‑tune his game before the competition intensifies.
The Cincinnati Open runs from August 13 to August 24, culminating just days before the US Open. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, stream it via NOW, or watch through the Sky Sports app. For those using the platform, a Chrome browser is recommended for optimal video playback.
Beyond the immediate tournament, Fery’s ascent has sparked a broader conversation about the state of British tennis. His Wimbledon semi‑final appearance, coupled with the resurgence of players like Cameron Norrie, Andy Murray’s enduring legacy, and the rise of young talents such as Jack Draper and Katie Boulter, suggests a promising new generation poised to challenge the traditional powerhouses of the sport. The media has highlighted his achievement alongside other notable British moments, including Emma Raducanu’s meteoric rise after her 2021 US Open triumph and the historic runs of British players at the Australian Open. Looking ahead, Fery’s focus remains on incremental improvement rather than lofty expectations.
He acknowledges that the pressure of being a national number one can be daunting, but he chooses to treat each match as an isolated challenge, relying on consistent hard work and a clear mindset. This pragmatic approach, coupled with his recent success, positions him well to contend for deeper runs in the remaining Masters events and, ultimately, to make a significant impact at the US Open. In summary, Arthur Fery’s return to competition in Cincinnati marks the next chapter in a rapid rise that began with a breakthrough Wimbledon performance.
By managing his schedule, seeking the right conditions for preparation, and maintaining a grounded perspective on his newfound status, he aims to translate his momentum into a strong showing in the United States and secure a seeding that will set him up for a successful US Open campaign. The British tennis community, along with international observers, will be watching closely as Fery navigates this pivotal period in his burgeoning career.