23-year-old dismantles unwell Italian 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-1
First Grand Slam appearance as a direct qualifying entrant
For a few fleeting moments inside the vast John Cain Arena, it seemed like Arthur Fery had missed his opportunity. The 23-year-old’s attempts to serve out an excellent set against, the 20th seed at the Australian Open, Flavio Cobolli, had ended painfully. He quickly found himself serving down 5-6 against one of the best players in the world with his back to the wall.
These circumstances often do not favour the more inexperienced, lower-ranked players, but in one of the biggest matches of his career Fery made his own luck as he rose to the occasion and delivered the first great upset of the Australian Open, dismantling Cobolli 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-1 to reach the second round for the first time.
The victory marks Fery’s first ever grand slam win outside Wimbledon. Fery, who sits at a career high ranking of No 185, came through the qualifying draw in his first appearance as a direct qualifying entrant. Four matches in, he still has not dropped a set.
