Fery loses Winston-Salem final to Buse
Arthur Fery lost to Ignacio Buse 6-3 6-2 in the Winston-Salem Open final. The 24-year-old will rise to world number 33 and become British number one. He will now play at the US Open, facing Lorenzo Musetti in the first round.
Fery's ascent has been remarkably rapid, having sat outside the world's top 100 just two months ago before his surprise run to the Wimbledon semi-finals in July. That performance, followed by this runner-up finish in North Carolina, has propelled him past Cameron Norrie in the British rankings, marking a significant shift in the country's men's tennis hierarchy.
Buse, at 22, becomes the youngest champion in Winston-Salem tournament history, adding to his May victory over Tommy Paul in Hamburg. Fery now turns his attention to his US Open debut, where he faces Italian 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti. He is one of nine British players in the main draws, though Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu are absent through injury.
Fery's rise could reshape British men's tennis, offering a new focal point for fans and potentially inspiring younger players to pursue the sport. His new status as British number one may increase media attention and sponsorship opportunities, while his US Open campaign could draw casual viewers to the tournament. The absence of Draper and Raducanu may place additional weight on his and other Britons' performances, potentially influencing public interest in the sport's domestic profile.