Arthur Fery Qualifies for Maiden Australian Open Main Draw, Set for Cobolli Clash
MELBOURNE, 18 January 2026 – British tennis prospect Arthur Fery has successfully navigated the qualifying tournament to secure his first-ever main draw appearance at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old, currently ranked 185th in the world, will begin his historic campaign against Italy’s 22nd seed, Flavio Cobolli, in a first-round match scheduled for 1:00 am on Sunday 18 January.
Dominant Qualification Path
Fery did not drop a set on his way through the Melbourne Park qualifiers, showcasing impressive form. He began with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Australia’s Edward Winter, followed by a 6-4, 6-2 win against former top-20 player Bernard Tomic. In the final qualifying round, he produced his most complete performance, dispatching Croatian Dino Prizmic 6-4, 6-1. In that match, Fery fired 29 winners and converted four break points to seal his place in the main draw.
Fery’s Road to the Main Draw
| Round | Opponent | Score | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Edward Winter (AUS) | 6-2, 6-4 | 12 January 2026 |
| Q2 | Bernard Tomic (AUS) | 6-4, 6-2 | 13 January 2026 |
| Q3 | Dino Prizmic (CRO) | 6-4, 6-1 | 15 January 2026 |
The Opponent: A Formidable First Test
Fery’s reward for qualifying is a daunting first-round assignment against Flavio Cobolli. The Italian is seeded 22nd and represents a significant step up in class. Cobolli arrives in Melbourne with a 2026 record of 4-1, having recently won an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic. The pair have never faced each other on the ATP Tour, setting the stage for a fresh tactical battle. The winner will advance to face either Miomir Kecmanovic or Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the second round.
Player Profiles at a Glance
Arthur Fery (Great Britain)
Age: 23 | Height: 175 cm | Weight: 76 kg
ATP Ranking: 185 | Career-High: 185 (2026)
2026 Record: 4-1 (all on hard court)
Coach: Benoit Foucher
Flavio Cobolli (Italy)
ATP Ranking: 22 | Career-High: 22 (2026)
2026 Record: 4-1 (all on hard court)
Seeding: 22
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Arthur Fery played in the Australian Open before?
No. The 2026 tournament marks Arthur Fery’s debut in the main draw of the Australian Open. He had to win three matches in the qualifying tournament held the week before to earn his place.
What is the head-to-head record between Fery and Cobolli?
Arthur Fery and Flavio Cobolli have never played each other in an ATP Tour-level match. Their first-round encounter at Melbourne Park will be their first official meeting.
What is at stake for the winner?
The victor will progress to the second round (Round of 64) of the Australian Open and earn 50 ranking points, along with a prize money share of A$120,000. The loser will receive 10 ranking points and A$75,000.