Fery dismisses pressure of British No 1 status ahead of Cincinnati Open

Arthur Fery is set to compete as the new British No 1 for the first time at the Cincinnati Open this weekend, marking a significant milestone in his rapid rise through the ATP rankings. The 23-year-old, who recently reached the Wimbledon semi-finals to become only the fifth Briton to achieve this feat in the Open era, has surged into the top 40 of the world rankings.

Fery has adopted a measured approach to his new status, insisting he feels no added pressure despite the heightened expectations. Speaking to Sky Sports, he emphasised a focus on daily preparation rather than the weight of the national ranking. "It's obviously a privilege to be No 1 in Britain. I'm not gonna put any added pressure on myself," Fery said, noting his intention to take each match as it comes and maintain his current work ethic.

To ensure he is physically prepared for the ATP 1000 event in Ohio, Fery opted to skip the preceding Canadian Open. This strategic rest period follows a training block in London after Wimbledon, with the player flying to the United States earlier this week to acclimatise to local conditions. He described the support he received during his Wimbledon run as "incredible" and noted that fellow competitors have been welcoming as he adjusts to his sudden elevation in the sport.

The primary objective for Fery in Cincinnati is to secure a seed for the US Open, which commences on 30 August. A strong performance at this key Masters 1000 event is viewed as crucial for his seeding prospects at the final Grand Slam of the year. This tournament marks only his second appearance in a Masters 1000 main draw, highlighting the rapid pace of his progression on the professional tour.

The Cincinnati Open runs until 24 August, with coverage available on Sky Sports. Fery’s return comes amidst a busy period for British tennis, with other prominent figures such as Katie Boulter, Cameron Norrie, and Emma Raducanu also featured in recent tournament updates.