“Against the odds, Fery stayed focused and delivered a memorable first-round win.”
British qualifier Arthur Fery caused the first major upset of the 2026 Australian Open by defeating 20th seed Flavio Cobolli in straight sets. The match ended 7‑6 (7‑1), 6‑4, 6‑1, giving Fery his first Grand Slam win outside Wimbledon and only his third tour-level victory overall.
The 23-year-old showcased strong baseline play, calm composure under pressure, and quick footwork, impressing fans, commentators, and fellow players. Cobolli struggled with a reported stomach issue, which affected his movement and consistency during the match, but Fery capitalized on every opportunity and maintained control throughout. His precise serving and clever shot selection kept the Italian on the defensive for most of the match.
The victory not only marks a significant milestone in Fery’s career but also brings a surge of excitement for British tennis. Fery advances to the second round, where he will face either Miomir Kecmanovic or Tomas Martin Etcheverry. If he continues this form, he could make a deep run at the tournament and further announce himself as one of the rising stars in men’s tennis. Fans and experts alike are now eagerly watching to see how far the young Brit can go in Melbourne.