In a stunning start to the Australian Open, British qualifier Arthur Fery has delivered a first-round shocker, dismantling Italian 20th seed Flavio Cobolli in straight sets. The match on John Cain Arena was overshadowed by the Italian's visible physical distress, adding a dramatic layer to the major upset on the opening day of the tournament.
Qualifier Triumphs as Opponent Battles Illness
Fery, who fought through the qualifying rounds to reach the main draw, produced a commanding performance to defeat the higher-ranked Cobolli 7-6 (6-1), 6-4, 6-1. The victory marks one of the most significant results of the young Brit's career. However, the contest was far from straightforward, with Cobolli's condition becoming a central talking point early on.
The Italian, a two-time Davis Cup winner, called for the doctor after just three games. Broadcast commentary revealed a frank discussion about Cobolli suffering from an upset stomach and "watery diarrhoea", leaving him far from his best. "He's got an upset stomach, some diarrhoea and not feeling 100 per cent," commentator David Culbert noted, adding that hydration was critical but the issue was something to monitor.
Controversial Moment Mars First Set
Perhaps sensing his lack of peak condition, Cobolli attempted a surprise tactic late in the first set: a controversial underarm serve. The move backfired spectacularly. Fery was not caught off guard, but the serve was ordered to be replayed by the chair umpire because a ballkid was still retrieving a ball behind the British player at the time of the serve.
Despite battling through the physical inconvenience, the 23-year-old Italian could not find a way past a determined Fery. The qualifier maintained his composure and focus, capitalising on his opponent's weakened state to secure a convincing victory and a spot in the second round.
Fery Awaits Next Challenge
The win sets up an intriguing second-round match for Arthur Fery. He will face the winner of the clash between Miomir Kecmanovic and Tomas Martin Etcheverry, a match that stretched towards the three-hour mark on Sunday. Etcheverry took the first set before Kecmanovic fought back to claim the next two, ensuring a gruelling battle for the right to meet the British qualifier.
Fery will enjoy a significant physical advantage heading into that match, having spent far less time on court than his next opponent. This remarkable upset adds another thrilling chapter to the opening days of the Australian Open, proving once again that anything can happen in the heat of Melbourne Park.
