Fery Stuns Cilic on Shanghai Debut to Set Up Khachanov Clash

Arthur Fery's remarkable rise continued on the opening day of the 2026 Shanghai Masters, as the British 24-year-old swept past former US Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(2), 6-1 in just over ninety minutes.

The world No. 36 had to dig deep in the opening set, trailing 2-4 and staring at a set point before wresting control. Once the tiebreak arrived, there was no stopping him — Fery dominated it 7-2 and then ran away with the second set, losing only one game as Cilic's resistance crumbled.

It was Fery's first appearance in Shanghai's main draw and a statement against a player who has won on this stage for years; Cilic, now ranked 78th, was making his 13th appearance at the tournament but had not played for 53 days before arriving in China.

The win lifts Fery further in the live rankings and sets up a second-round meeting with 26th seed Karen Khachanov, a genuine test of his Masters credentials. Two years ago Fery was ranked 257th in the world; he is now firmly established inside the top 40 and continues to convert his Challenger-level pedigree into ATP Tour scalps.