Arthur Fery's US Open debut ends in straight sets, exposing limits in a game that surged to the Wimbledon semi-finals six weeks ago. Lorenzo Musetti defeated the British No 1 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the second round, exploiting heavy topspin and superior shot selection to keep Fery off balance for much of the match.
Musetti imposed relentless baseline pressure, repeatedly pushing Fery behind the court and forcing high-bouncing balls out of the Briton's strike zone. Fery began the match with some rhythm on serve, but a pair of double faults at 3-3 handed Musetti the first break and shifted momentum. The Italian served well at key moments, stepped inside the baseline when opportunities arose, and used a strong single-handed backhand to win decisive points.
The defeat is a reality check for Fery, who has risen rapidly this season. He is currently ranked No 33 in the world, a position that brings direct entry into the sport's biggest events. Since his surprise run to the Wimbledon semi-finals he has continued to test himself on tour, taking a match in Cincinnati and pushing world No 8 Alex de Minaur, and reaching his first ATP final in Winston-Salem last week. Those results underline his potential, but the standard at the top of men’s tennis presents tougher tests than those wins.
For Musetti the performance offered encouraging signs after a difficult period. He began the year ranked No 5 and had to withdraw from an Australian Open quarter-final while leading Novak Djokovic by two sets because of injury. The win over Fery suggested he is regaining form and confidence as he seeks to re-establish himself among the game's leading players.
Elsewhere on day one, Elena Rybakina moved into the second round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over 17-year-old American wildcard Thea Frodin. Rybakina sits at No 1 in the live rankings and would claim the world number one position for the first time if she reaches the semi-finals, or if Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff fail to win the tournament. In the men's draw, fifth seed Flavio Cobolli produced a dramatic comeback from two sets down to beat Francisco Comesaña 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and progress to round two.
What happens next is straightforward. Musetti advances and will test his regained form in the second round. Fery leaves New York with important lessons about handling elite pressure and spin-heavy opponents. Rybakina remains on a path that could deliver a maiden world No 1 ranking, while Cobolli’s recovery keeps him alive in the event after a remarkable turnaround.
