Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery suffered defeat by Quentin Halys in the first round of the Paris Masters.

Halys, 30, competing in the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, produced an impressive display to beat the Briton 7-6 (8-6) 7-5.

Both players held serve throughout the opening set, with Halys eventually winning the tie-break after saving two set points.

The Frenchman, who impressed on serve in particular, then fended off two break points early in the second set.

An excellent lob from Fery saved Halys' first break point in an eight-minute service game midway through the set.

Halys then showed his class by saving another break point to hold serve as Fery pushed to force a deciding set.

A superb forehand winner finally earned Halys a break, allowing him to serve for the match.

He sealed victory with a fitting ace and will now face seventh seed Frances Tiafoe, who received a first-round bye.

Alongside a memorable Wimbledon run, Fery missed out on his first ATP 250 tournament title after losing the Winston-Salem Open final to Ignacio Buse in August.