By Tony FairbairnArthur Fery [4] def Aleksandar Kovacevic 3-6 7-5 6-3Fery v James Duckworth | H2H: Fery leads 1-0WINSTON-SALEM, USA – Arthur Fery edged past Aleksandar Kovacevic to reach the semi-finals in Winston-Salem where he will face James Duckworth.
Arthur Fery [4] def Aleksandar Kovacevic 3-6 7-5 6-3
Arthur Fery is into the semi-finals of Winston-Salem after a three set win over American Aleksandar Kovacevic. It was a good start from Fery who produced some patient yet aggressive returning to create three break points in the opening game of the match. However, Fery was wasteful with his opportunities and was made to pay in the sixth game as the American broke to love for a 4-2 lead.
The American then had to save break point and did so with some aggressive serving under pressure. A massive hold consolidated the break and Kovacevic held his next service game to love to take the opening set in 37 minutes.
In the second set there wasn’t much to separate the two players with Kovacevic having to come through some tight service games. There was some half-opportunities for Fery but the Brit was visibly frustrated at how wasteful he was becoming on return. However, that would turn into delight as Fery broke comfortably in the 12th game to take the second set and level the match at one set all.
The fourth seed continued that momentum in the final set as he took a 3-0 lead, breaking to love in the second game. There was some comfortable serving from both players after that point with Fery cruising to a three set win and booking his place in the final four.
Arthur Fery [4] v James Duckworth H2H & Match FundamentalsArthur Fery [4] v James Duckworth H2H: Fery leads 1-0 ATP Winston-Salem 2026 Winston-Salem, USAHard (O) Prize Money: $37,020Third on Stadium Court (Not before 23:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
Fery will now face James Duckworth in a rematch from their Cincinnati epic as a place in the final is on the line.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)H2H:Arthur Fery (WR 37)James Duckworth (WR 79)Tournament Previous BestN/AR2 (2022)1st Serve %6255.6Service Games Won %80.480.3Break Points Saved %5863.52nd Serve Return Points Won %50.747.5Break Points Converted %40.634.5
Fery will aim to be more clinical against a consistent server like Duckworth in what should be a good match.
Playing styles and prediction
Duckworth was close to defeating Fery in Cincinnati but some poor decision-making at crucial moments saw him lose a last set tiebreak. Now, with momentum on his side Duckworth is hoping to get some revenge and continue climbing up the rankings by securing a big final in Winston-Salem.
Fery will look to be aggressive on the big points and will be aiming to be consistent on serve. Meanwhile, Duckworth will approach the net to finish points off quickly while being proactive on serve. This should be another great match between these two players with Fery’s baseline creativity once again prevailing.
Prediction: Fery in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Winston-Salem 2026