Fery’s call up to replace the injured Fearnley came just 24 hours before he stepped out on court to make his Davis Cup debut.
But there were no signs of nerves from the Briton as he produced a mature display against Pieczkowski, ranked 484 in the world.
“I didn’t really think it [a debut] was going to be this early on in my career, and with my ranking,” Fery, whose mum flew in from London just in time for the match, said.
“Very, very proud to be playing for Great Britain, and hopefully I can do it for many years to come.”
Fery had the better of his 21-year-old opponent in the clutch moments, converting four of his 11 break points and minimising his errors, despite some signs of fatigue.
Injury had caused him to drop out of the top 400 in the world but a monumental win over top-50 player Alexei Popyrin at Wimbledon and a first title on the Challenger tour – the rung below the ATP tour – helped him climb the rankings.
“I’ve managed to play well, when I’ve been on court,” he said. “I’ve struggled with injuries the past year and a half, but this year has been good when I have been able to play.”
Norrie had put Britain’s first point on the board earlier on Friday but was made to work for his victory over 19-year-old Berkieta, ranked 511 places below him.
The British number two was immediately on the back foot, saving two break points in his opening service game before saving set points in a tense tie-break then sealing the set with a pinpoint serve.
The 30-year-old then showed his experience as his opponent ran out of steam and an early break of serve was enough for Norrie to see out the win.
