Arthur Fery narrowly missed out on a seeding at the US Open, which are awarded to the top 32 players, leaving the British player at risk of facing one of the leading stars in New York.
Fery will play 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti, an excellent returner and slick mover who must be considered among the title favourites in a wide-open men’s draw.
Musetti reached the US Open quarter-finals last year and has gone a step further at both the French Open and Wimbledon in recent seasons. The 24-year-old also reached the Australian Open quarter-finals in January.
A thigh injury ruled Musetti out of the French Open and Wimbledon, but he has shown signs of rediscovering his best form with quarter-final appearances in Washington and Cincinnati.
“Some weeks you get good draws, some weeks you get tougher draws – it is how it is,” said Fery.
“I missed out by one spot on a seeded position and then I draw the 13th seed – it’s a bit unfortunate but some things go your way and some things don’t. “I still feel I have my chances in that match-up if I prepare and play well.”
Whatever happens against Musetti, it will be intriguing to see how Fery fares over the coming months after earning a new level of attention.
There has already been considerable discussion about whether the 5ft 9in Londoner’s stature could limit his progress on an ATP Tour where taller players tend to thrive.
“I don’t think Arthur’s height has to be something which we sit here and worry about,” says Michael Bourne, the Lawn Tennis Association’s performance director.
“He has great ball speed – whether off the ground or from the serve, he’s an amazing decision-maker and a very good athlete. “He’s earned the right for us not to put a ceiling on him. He’s a talented young man and there is a lot to be excited about – let’s see how far he can go.”
