Arthur Fery: Lorenzo Musetti awaits in first round of US Open for British No 1
New British No 1 Arthur Fery faces a huge first-round encounter when he goes up against 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti on Tuesday; watch the US Open live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app
Monday 31 August 2026 08:10, UK
British star Arthur Fery faces a tough task when he goes up against 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti on Tuesday at the US Open
Fery returned to British No 1 and set a new career high at No 33 following his run to the Winston-Salem Open final this week. His hopes of landing his maiden ATP Tour title were ended in emphatic fashion by Ignacio Buse on Saturday.
The 24-year-old was aiming to add to his already memorable season having reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon but he was denied by the Peruvian.
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Eight weeks ago, Fery was outside the top 100.
Despite missing out on the title, Fery will take plenty of confidence from a week that yielded five consecutive straight-set victories and further underlined his potential on the ATP Tour.
The Brit will now switch his attention to the US Open, where he is set to make his main draw debut in New York.
He faces a tough first-round clash against Musetti, but his recent form suggests he will arrive in Flushing Meadows full of belief and confidence.
Former British No 1 Tim Henman has been impressed by Fery's attributes, telling Sky Sports Tennis: "Arthur has strings to his bow with that speed of movement and recognising when you hit a good shot that you can move forward.
"Given his lack of height and how he struggles a little on serve, he makes sure he uses all of those other attributes - led by his speed and baseline game from the back of the court. Both forehand and backhand are so solid.
"He has got a tennis IQ and his speed of movement, but recognising when you hit a good shot, then maybe the opportunity to step forward and knock that volley off.
"Wimbledon was an incredible achievement but to come to the States and make that final will give him huge confidence, irrespective of what happens here at the US Open. Given his lack of height and perhaps how he struggles a little bit on serve compared to other players, he's got to make sure he's using all those other attributes led by his speed and baseline game from the back of the court."
Laura Robson said it is good to see Fery backing up his Wimbledon run: "It's so good to see Arthur back up his Wimbledon semi-final run so quickly.
"Often, you see players have a shock result in a Grand Slam and it's better than they expected then they adjust to that new ranking for the next few months, so it's great to see him make that ATP 250 final and enjoying it.
"He feels like he belongs at the top of the game."
Why Britain's Arthur Fery could be a threat at US Open
A few months ago, few people had heard of Fery but can he have another big couple of weeks at the US Open?
"His first-round opponent Musetti has a lot of variation and uses the backhand slice and a powerful top spin shot," said Ryan Harrison. "I'm really looking forward to this. It's one of the most electrifying first-round match-ups to see how it plays out."
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova added: "He's quick around the court and really fast moving forward.
"He hits volleys so much closer to the net than other players and that's what makes him such an effective, offensive player."
The US Open is live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.
