Fery edges Duckworth in Cincinnati opener after final-set tiebreak

Arthur Fery came through a three-set battle against James Duckworth 6-4 2-6 7-6 in the Cincinnati round of 64, the decider settled only in a tiebreak. Neither man found much rhythm on first delivery, Fery landing 51.5 percent and Duckworth 51.7, which made second-serve exchanges decisive: the Briton won 55.1 percent behind his, just ahead of the Australian's 53.5. Duckworth was the more punishing when his first serve landed, taking 82.6 percent of those points to Fery's 73.1, but nine aces and only three double faults kept the Briton steady. It was a hard-earned win on the big stage.