Arthur Fery makes statement on UK return with feelings clear on British No. 1 status

18:43, Sat, Sep 19, 2026 Updated: 18:43, Sat, Sep 19, 2026

Arthur Fery gave Britain a crucial lead over Ecuador in their Davis Cup qualifier tie (Image: Getty)

Arthur Fery made a winning return to UK soil, putting Britain within touching distance of the Davis Cup Finals. Fery, 24, stormed into the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wildcard ranked outside of the top 100 earlier this summer.

And he returned to London’s Copper Box Arena as the world No. 36, giving Team GB a 2-0 lead over Ecuador with a 7-5 6-0 win over Alvaro Guillen Meza. It came after British No. 4 Toby Samuel came back to beat Ecuador’s top singles player, Andres Andrade, 4-6 6-4 6-1, on his Davis Cup debut.

Get tennis news, scores and tournament results plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info.

It means the Brits only need to win one more match on Sunday to book their place in the Final 8 for the first time since 2023, with the week-long knockout event taking place in Bologna in November.

Fery had made his Davis Cup debut in Poland last year, but this was his first time stepping into the No. 1 singles role, and he had no qualms about taking centre stage for Team GB. “It's awesome. You get goosebumps walking out,” he said.

“It was great playing here, obviously in London, a lot of support from everyone. It's always different playing Davis Cup. You're playing for a whole nation. There's more responsibility on your shoulders. You know that it's going to impact the team resolve as well, how you play. It's a weight that I can carry on my shoulders, and I felt confident out there, it was never too much of a burden.

“We have great depth in this team, and at the end of the day, it's a tennis match. I know that my best way to help the whole team is to focus on myself, to win my match. And there's no number one, number two, number three, all the matches are worth one.”

The world No. 36 also had the added boost of taking to the court, knowing that Britain was already in a winning position after team debutant Toby Samuel beat Ecuador’s No. 1 Andres Andrade 4-6 6-4 6-1. He added: “It definitely helps coming out after a GB win and being 1-0 up. Obviously it's really not easy for Toby to start his first match in those conditions. I played in Poland, and I know how nervous I was in those conditions, and that was a step up from that, definitely. A live rubber, trying to qualify for the finals at home, in front of a lot of people. Really, really great to see how he handled that.”

The British team need one more match win to reach the Davis Cup Finals for the first time since 2023 (Image: Getty)

Fery blew some early break points against world No. 293 Guillen Meza, but loosened up after holding from 0-30 down at 5-5 in the first set, and didn’t lose another game. “First few games in that arena with different conditions, it always takes a bit of time to get used to,” the 24-year-old explained.

“I didn't convert some break points at the start. He was playing well. So it was tricky. At 5-5, I was 0-30, did really well to get out of that game, and then I was slowly finding my bearings and my footing in the match. He didn't make it easy for me, and I'm happy that I was able to kind of shift the gear up in the second and play well.”

Britain need one more win over Ecuador to confirm their place in the Davis Cup Finals. Doubles world No.1 Henry Patten and recent US Open champion Neal Skupski are expected to team up against Gonzalo Escobar and Diego Hidalgo in Sunday’s first rubber, and will be the favourites to get the job done.

GB captain Leon Smith said: “What Arthur and Toby did puts them in a good position. It does feel different. Obviously, if you're 0-2 down or if it's even 1-1, it feels different but it's good having that experience.

“I think with the court, the way it is, it's pretty quick, it's low-bouncing. So don't be surprised when you see it's not easy to break serve in doubles, playing against two lefties who are good players. I know the rankings will suggest a big gulf, it's not. I do back the experience that our two guys have got in the clutch moments.”

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy