Fery suffers first-round defeat in Paris Masters

Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery suffers a straight-set defeat by Quentin Halys in the first round of the Paris Masters. Arthur Fery reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 32 this season Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery suffered a straight-set defeat by Quentin Halys in the first round of the Paris Masters. Halys, 30, competing in the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, produced an impressive display to secure a 7-6 7-5 victory. Both players held serve throughout the opening set, with Halys eventually winning the tie-break after saving two set points. The Frenchman, who impressed with his serving, then fended off two break points early in the second set. An excellent lob from Fery saved Halys' first break point, before the 24-year-old Brit eventually held serve in a game that lasted more than eight minutes.

Halys then showed his class by saving another break point to hold serve as Fery pushed to force a deciding set. A superb forehand winner finally earned Halys a break, allowing him to serve for the match. He sealed victory with a fitting ace and will now face seventh seed Frances Tiafoe, who received a first-round bye. Alongside a memorable Wimbledon run, Fery missed out on his first ATP 250 tournament title after suffering a Winston-Salem Open final defeat by Ignacio Buse in August.