Arthur Fery has aired his grievances over an unusual disruption at the Shanghai Masters, where opponent Karen Khachanov’s delayed arrival left the British player scrambling to prepare for their match.
The incident proved frustrating enough for Fery to break his typical composure about such matters. Speaking on The Changeover Podcast, the British No.1 detailed exactly what unfolded at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai, highlighting how timing protocols affected his pre-match routine.
The Six-Minute Setback
Fery explained the mechanics of what transpired with remarkable specificity. “I actually complained, I never complain about this stuff, but in Shanghai I was really p because the guy told me a specific time to be at the front by the buggies and I was there on time, and I waited like six minutes before Khachanov turned up so my warm‑up is basically useless by the time you get the buggy on to the court it’s been like 10/15 minute since we’ve warmed up,” Fery revealed*.
The delay created a cascading effect on Fery’s preparation, with the additional time spent waiting and traveling to the court effectively neutralising his structured warm-up session. The British player’s complaint underscores a broader frustration with what he perceives as an inconsistency in tournament scheduling procedures.
Broader Context
Fery’s candid discussion on The Changeover Podcast extended beyond the Shanghai incident, as he also reflected on his breakthrough season and looked toward his upcoming Vienna Open commitment. The podcast appearance provided the platform for Fery to address not just the specific disruption, but his broader experience navigating elite professional tennis.
His willingness to voice complaint about the scheduling issue marks a notable departure from his usual demeanor, suggesting the Shanghai situation left a genuine mark on the British player’s outlook.