Arthur Fery wins first match since stunning run to Wimbledon semi-finals
The new British No 2 won on his return to action after Wimbledon but there was a shock defeat for Novak Djokovic, who toiled in the heat
Arthur Fery made a triumphant return to professional tennis after his remarkable run to the Wimbledon semi-finals with a victory at the Cincinnati Open. The 24-year-old British player defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4) in a match that lasted two hours and 34 minutes. Fery, who had been outside the top 150 at the start of the season and ranked 114th heading into Wimbledon, was seeded 32nd in his second Masters 1000 event.
His performance came after a brief hiatus following a "life-changing fortnight," during which he underwent a rigorous training block at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Fery broke Duckworth's serve in the first game, but two foot faults early in the second set ultimately cost him that set. He bounced back in the third set, converting four consecutive points in the tie-break to advance to the next round, where he will face fifth-seed Alex De Minaur.
Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie suffered a three-set defeat to top seed and 2021 champion Alexander Zverev, who won 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in a match that concluded after 2:35 AM local time. The loss marked Norrie's first loss in seven matches against Zverev.
Novak Djokovic, who returned to the court after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, also struggled in the Cincinnati Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who defeated Thiago Agustin Tirante in the opening set, was defeated by world number 50 Thiago Tirante 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic attributed his loss to a health issue that has troubled him for years, which becomes more pronounced in hot and humid conditions.
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