GB's Fery returns to Grand Slam stage - what lies ahead?

During his time as a professional, Fery has always carried himself with an air of assurance.Although his extraordinary Wimbledon performance was unexpected, it feels he has the temperament to take the new experiences it has brought in his stride.His debut at ATP Masters level ended in a win over Australia's James Duckworth at the Cincinnati Open, although the speed and guile of world number eight Alex de Minaur proved too much in the next round.From there Fery travelled to North Carolina, where he finished runner-up at the ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem.While he lost to higher-ranked Peruvian Ignacio Buse in Saturday's final, Fery says his four victories - albeit against opponents a Grand Slam semi-finalist would be expected to beat - have enhanced his sense of belonging. "It was a very positive week for me. Obviously there is nowhere near as much attention as the Slams and big ATP events, but I've got to remind myself that its not a normal thing yet to make ATP 250 finals," Fery told BBC Sport. "I wasn't really happy with my match in the final, but it was a long week and first time I'd played five matches in five days in a very long time. "It's great preparation for the US Open."Fery narrowly missed out on a seeding at the US Open, which are given to the top 32 players, leaving him vulnerable to drawing one of the leading stars in New York.Musetti, who is an excellent returner and slick mover, must be counted among the title favourites in a wide open men's draw.A quarter-finalist in New York last year, the 25-year-old has gone a step further at both the French Open and Wimbledon in the recent seasons, and reached the Australian Open last eight in January.A thigh injury ruled him out of the French Open and Wimbledon, but he has showed signs of rediscovering his best level in recent runs to the Washington and Cincinnati quarter-finals."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 given his new-found status.There has already been plenty of discussion about whether the 5ft 9in Londoner's stature will be a limiting factor 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."