Lexus Eastbourne Open 2026: Arthur Fery wins three set thriller against Roman Andres Burruchaga in first round
• 3 minute read
Arthur Fery made a last minute comeback to defeat Roman Andres Burruchaga in three sets and secure a place in the second round at Devonshire Park.
The British No.3 dug deep to claim a break as Burruchaga to turn the match and win 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 in two hours and 18 minutes under the blistering Eastbourne sun.
The wild card, who entered the tournament at a career-high ranking of world No.118, after a breakthrough season which saw him qualify for 2026 Australian Open without dropping a set before defeating world No.22 Flavio Cobolli in first round.
Fery looks to continue his run of form on the grass after his first ATP Tour quarter-final at the HSBC Championships last week and the Lexus Birmingham Open semi-finals at the start of the month – Fery lost to the eventual champion Francisco Cerundolo in three sets on both occasions.
His win today marks the first time in tournament history that six home playershave reached the second round in the men's singles draw after Giles Hussey won earlier today. The pair will join Jan Choinski, Jack Draper and Jack Pinnington Jones following their first round wins yesterday as well as lucky loser Toby Samuel who recieved a bye into round two.
The Brit now sets up a meeting against another Argentinian in the next round with Juan Manuel Cerundolo awaiting him in the next round.
The Brit looked overwhelmed after his late turnaround in the match secured him the win over the world No.66.
“I don’t know where to start, it was a rollercoaster obviously", he said. "I started off very well, came out really well of the blocks. Struggled in the second and at the start of the third and he was playing a lot better, starting to get used to the grass court a bit and I was honestly not playing very well.
“Then just tried to dig deep, just trying to get that break back, got it back at 5-4 and obviously managed to get over the line.
“It’s not often that we play in the UK and in front of such a big crowd here on Centre Court so super grateful and (the crowd) really, really helped me push me to the end.”
Fery looked comfortable on the grass from the outset, winning the opening two games before saving a break point to move 3-0 ahead.
The 23-year-old’s aggressive approach kept Burruchaga on the back foot, with the Brit winning all six points on the Argentinian’s second serve in the opening set. He maintained his dominance and secured the set when Burruchaga sent a forehand wide.
Burruchaga raised his level in the second set, breaking for a 4-3 lead. Fery saved three set points on serve, but the Argentinian held his nerve to settle the scoreboard to one set all.
After falling behind early in the decider, Fery responded when Burruchaga served for the match at 5-4. An impressive volley over his shoulder fired up the crowd before he earned break points and eventually converted the third to level the score.
Fery then held serve with his sixth and seventh aces of the match before battling back from 40-30 in the next game to earn match point. An unreturned forehand down the line sealed victory and a place in the second round of the Lexus Eastbourne Open for the first time.
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