Fery advances to maiden ATP final after Duckworth injury withdrawal
Arthur Fery reached his first ATP Tour final at the Winston-Salem Open after James Duckworth retired injured while trailing 6-4 2-1. The British 24-year-old, now ranked a career-high 33rd, will face Peru's Ignacio Buse for the title. Fery's run continues a remarkable rise from outside the top 100 just two months ago.
Fery’s rise has been swift, with his ranking jumping from outside the top 100 to a career-best 33rd in just two months. His Wimbledon semi-final run in July, though unexpected, set the stage for this breakthrough, and he has now overtaken Cameron Norrie as Britain’s top player. The final against Ignacio Buse, ranked 36th, pits two in-form players against each other; Buse already has a title this season, having beaten Tommy Paul in Hamburg. Fery’s next test comes quickly, as he faces Lorenzo Musetti in the US Open’s first round, having narrowly missed a seed.
This result could shift attention to Britain’s depth in men’s tennis, with Fery’s emergence offering a new narrative beyond established stars. His quick climb may inspire younger players and boost domestic interest in the sport, while his US Open draw against a seeded opponent will test whether this momentum translates to majors. For fans, a first ATP title would solidify his credibility, but the injury withdrawal also highlights the physical toll of the tour, reminding audiences how fragile success can be.