Arthur Fery entered the Winston‑Salem Open final with the belief that he could capture his inaugural ATP Tour title, only to see his aspirations dashed in a decisive encounter with Peru's rising star Ignacio Buse on Saturday. The match began evenly, with both players locked at three games apiece in the opening set. From that point, Buse seized control, rattling off six consecutive games and ultimately sealing a 6‑3, 6‑2 victory over the British hopeful.
The 22‑year‑old Fery, who had already celebrated a breakthrough earlier in the season by winning his first tour‑level trophy at the ATP 500 event in Hamburg, was hoping to add another accolade to an already impressive campaign. He had recently made a deep run at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals, and was on the cusp of achieving a new career‑high ranking on Monday. By advancing to the Winston‑Salem final, Fery climbed to a fresh personal best of world No.
33 in the live rankings, overtaking fellow Briton Cameron Norrie to become the United Kingdom’s No. 1 male player.
Remarkably, just eight weeks earlier, he had been positioned outside the top 100, underscoring the rapid ascent he has enjoyed over the past few months. After the match, a gracious Fery offered his congratulations to Buse, saying, "Congratulations to you and your team, Ignacio, for your second title this year. I also want to thank my own team – it wasn’t our day, but I’m grateful for everything you do for me. We’ve had a fantastic year and I hope we can finish it strongly." His remarks reflected both disappointment at the loss and optimism about the season’s overall trajectory.
The tournament’s outcome also sparked commentary from former British No. 1 Tim Henman, who spoke to Sky Sports about Fery’s performance in North Carolina.
Henman praised the youngster’s consistency, noting, "He’s had a great week, and that’s the level he’s playing at. After a semifinal run at Wimbledon, he’s already a top‑30 player. Getting to finals and eventually winning them is the next step for him." Looking ahead, Fery is set to make his main‑draw debut at the US Open, which begins on Sunday. He will open his campaign against Italy’s world No.
14 Lorenzo Musetti, a match that Henman described as a "tough assignment" for the British player. "He goes into that match as a clear underdog, but he’s confident," Henman added, emphasizing Fery’s belief in his own abilities despite the ranking disparity.
Buse, for his part, delivered a composed and efficient performance, wrapping up the final in just 77 minutes. He remarked in the post‑match interview, "It’s very special for me. My team and I have been working extremely hard. Tennis is a demanding sport with many challenges, but I also want to congratulate Arthur and his team for their effort." The Winston‑Salem final, while disappointing for Fery, serves as a valuable learning experience as he prepares for the upcoming Grand Slam.
The US Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app, offering fans contract‑free access to the tournament’s action. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also on Sky Sports. Fery’s rapid rise from outside the top 100 to a top‑30 ranking within a few short months highlights his potential to become a mainstay among the sport’s elite.
His semifinal run at Wimbledon demonstrated his capacity to compete on the biggest stages, and his recent victory in Hamburg proved he can clinch titles at the ATP 500 level. Although the Winston‑Salem final ended in defeat, the experience gained against a composed opponent like Buse will likely prove instrumental in refining his game for future challenges. As the US Open approaches, all eyes will be on the young Brit as he faces Musetti on centre court. The match will test his resilience, tactical acumen, and mental fortitude against a seasoned top‑15 player.
Regardless of the outcome, Fery’s trajectory suggests that he will continue to be a prominent figure on the tour, with the possibility of adding more titles to his résumé in the coming years. For fans eager to follow his journey, the upcoming Grand Slam provides a platform to witness his development firsthand.
Whether he advances deep into the draw or exits early, the experience will contribute to the broader narrative of a player who, just weeks ago, was fighting to break into the top 100 and now stands as Britain’s highest‑ranked male tennis professional.