Lexus Birmingham Open 2026: Arthur Fery, Billy Harris & Harry Wendelken get off to winning starts

Arthur Fery was the first to book his place in the second round of the Lexus Birmingham Open after edging a three-set battle against former Lexus Ilkley Open champion Tristan Schoolkate 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Billy Harris followed with a comeback win over lucky loser Martin Damm, recovering from a set down to prevail 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(3).

Wild card Harry Wendelken rounded off the trio of victories, continuing his form on the ATP Challenger Tour with a 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(3) win over New Zealand’s James Watt. 

It has been a memorable 12 months for Fery, highlighted by main draw wins at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, as well as a victory on his Davis Cup debut during the Lexus GB team’s Play-off tie against Poland.

The 23-year-old missed out on a spot in the main draw at Roland Garros but bounced straight back on home turf to secure his first win of the 2026 grass court season.

“I’m feeling positive - it was a good match”, Fery said following his win. “I thought I played well and my game was good for the grass - it’s a positive start for the rest of the grass court season.

“I’ve had an up-and-down season so far. First time on the clay in a long time, so that was good for my game; the results weren’t always great, but that was expected.

“On the grass, it's definitely a surface I’ve played more tennis on, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself - trying to focus on the right things on court and just letting the results come.”

The British No.7 responded well after dropping the second set, breaking early in the decider to spur him on to a 4-1 lead. Fery was forced to soak up some late pressure from Schoolkate - saving five break points across his final two service games before sealing victory at the third attempt.

Next up, he’ll take on Australia’s Alex Bolt in the second round after he knocked out top seed Mattia Bellucci in his opener.

Harris also made a strong return to grass, coming through two tight tie-breaks to book his place in the second round. 

The 31-year-old was originally due to face James Duckworth in his opener, but a last-minute withdrawal from the Australian saw Harris take on a very different challenge in the form Damm - a big-serving, left-hander.

Harris came back from a set and a break down to edge the lucky loser in the second and third-set tie-breaks - eventually closing out the win on his fourth match point to reach the second round.

“I lost here in the first round last year, so it was nice to get away with a win”, Harris reflected. “The first set was tricky, but I changed a couple of things in my game and felt good for the next two sets.

“It’s always nice to play on home soil and get the support of the British fans. I’m excited for the next match here and the next few weeks.”

The former Lexus Eastbourne Open semi-finalist will be hoping to build momentum in Birmingham as he sets his sights on a second career ATP Challenger title and first on grass. He’s set to take on China’s Yunchaokete Bu in a bid to reach the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, in-form ATP Challenger star Wendelken also came through two tight tie-break sets on his way to securing victory over qualifier Watt. 

Wendelken has been in red-hot form already this year, reaching three ATP Challenger finals and lifting the M25 title in Sheffield, and has seemingly carried that momentum with him into Birmingham.

Wendelken managed to recover from a break down in the decider to take the world No.717 to a tie-break where he reeled off the last four points in a row to clinch victory.

“A lot of emotions, it was a very up and down match,” Wendelken said. “I managed to find a way, dig deep and turn it around. 

“I hope I can play the best tennis I feel like I can. If I win or if I lose that doesn’t matter, I just want to use these upcoming weeks play against really great players, test myself and hopefully play many more matches.”

Arriving on grass with form and confidence behind him, Wendelken will be aiming to put together a strong run and add a second Challenger title to his resume, following his maiden in Greece last August.

Jack Pinnington Jones and wild card Oliver Tarvet came close to joining the British trio, but eventually lost out in opening round defeats.

Catch up with all the latest British results from the Lexus Birmingham Open.