Arthur Fery, the British sensation who captured the imagination of Wimbledon fans earlier this summer, continued his fairy‑tale run by securing a place in the championship match of the Winston‑Salem Open on Friday. The 24‑year‑old has navigated the ATP 250 draw with a blend of composure and aggressive baseline play, dispatching a series of opponents to reach his first career final on the ATP Tour. Fery opened his campaign with a straightforward victory over Australian veteran Cruz Hewitt, displaying a powerful serve and crisp groundstrokes that left little doubt about his intent. He then faced qualifier Mees Rottgering, a player known for his tenacity, but Fery’s consistency proved too much, and he sealed the win in straight sets.
The quarter‑finals presented a sterner test in the form of Serbia’s Aleksandar Kovacevic. After dropping the first set, Fery rallied, breaking his opponent’s rhythm and claiming the next two sets in a gritty three‑set battle that showcased his mental resilience and ability to adapt mid‑match.
In the semi‑final, Fery met Australian James Duckworth, a familiar adversary whom he had already bested in Cincinnati just two weeks earlier. The match progressed until Duckworth, hampered by a physical injury, was forced to retire with the score at 6‑4, 1‑2 in Fery’s favour. Although the conclusion was not the ideal way to finish a contest, Fery expressed satisfaction with his performance and concern for his opponent’s well‑being.
"I’m really happy to be in the final," he said. "Obviously, not the way I wanted it to end at all. I hope James is going to rest up and get ready for next week but very happy to be through." He added that the first set had gone his way thanks to a crucial break, and that Duckworth’s early struggles in the second set were evident.
"He was hindered at the start of the second set and I saw it. It’s never easy playing someone who you know is physically challenged, but overall it felt good apart from that last forehand," Fery reflected, acknowledging the mixed emotions that accompany a win by retirement.
Fery’s journey to this point has been nothing short of meteoric. Only eight weeks ago he lingered outside the top 100, yet his Wimbledon semi‑final run earlier this summer catapulted him into the global spotlight. The Winston‑Salem final, scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m.
BST and broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis, offers him the chance to claim his maiden ATP title and climb further up the rankings. His opponent will be Peru’s Ignacio Buse, the world’s No. 36, who earned his spot by overcoming France’s Benjamin Bonzi in a three‑set thriller (6‑2, 4‑6, 6‑1).
Buse, a 22‑year‑old who captured his first tour‑level trophy at the ATP 500 event in Hamburg in May, has been on a rapid ascent. Just a year ago he was ranked No.
135, but his recent form has secured him a seeding at the upcoming US Open, where he will open against American Marcos Giron. Fery remains realistic about the challenge ahead. "It’s going to be another tough match," he admitted. "Ignacio is playing really well.
He’s a young guy who is breaking out so it’s going to be a great match. Definitely a good week for both of us and I’m going to sit down with my coach and see what I can do to beat him." Beyond the immediate stakes of Winston‑Salem, both players are looking ahead to the US Open, set to commence on August 30. Fery, making his main‑draw debut at Flushing Meadows, will face a formidable opening‑round opponent in Italy’s world No. 14 Lorenzo Musetti.
Musetti, known for his elegant shot‑making and tactical acumen, will present a stern test for the British newcomer. Meanwhile, Buse will step onto the hard courts of New York as a seeded player, eager to build on his recent success. The Winston‑Salem final therefore serves as a pivotal moment for two rising talents, each eager to cement their place among the sport’s elite.
For Fery, a victory would not only add a coveted ATP title to his résumé but also reinforce the narrative that his Wimbledon breakthrough was no fluke. For Buse, a win would confirm his status as a burgeoning force capable of challenging established stars on the tour. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports, and those without a contract can stream the US Open and related tennis coverage via the NOW platform.
The tournament promises high‑octane tennis, with the added allure of seeing whether Fery can translate his Wimbledon magic onto the hard courts of the US Open, and whether Buse can continue his rapid rise after a breakthrough season. Regardless of the outcome, the Winston‑Salem Open final underscores the depth and excitement of today’s men’s game, where emerging players are constantly pushing the boundaries and delivering compelling storylines for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.