The Princess of Wales has led tributes to Arthur Fery’s “fantastic achievement” as the British wildcard stormed into the Wimbledon semi-finals with a straight-sets win on Centre Court.
Watched by the Queen from the royal box, the 23-year-old beat Italian ninth seed Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday afternoon to set up a tie with German Alexander Zverev on Friday.
Royal Recognition
In a personal tribute to Fery, the princess – who is patron of the All England Club – wrote on social media: “A memorable day at @Wimbledon. Congratulations to Arthur Fery on becoming the first British wildcard to reach the Gentlemen’s Singles semi-finals in the Open Era, a fantastic achievement that has inspired so many. Wishing you the very best for the next round.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also congratulated Fery, who grew up only 10 minutes away from Centre Court. He wrote on social media: “What a moment for Arthur Fery. From wild card to Wimbledon semi-finalist, a brilliant performance on the biggest stage. Best of luck in your next match!”
Match Highlights
Earlier, the Queen, who was making a surprise visit to Wimbledon, was seen applauding from the royal box, wearing a turquoise chiffon dress by designer Anna Valentine. As Fery fired down an ace to clinch the match in emphatic style, she joined the rest of Centre Court in celebrating as he collapsed to the grass – seemingly overwhelmed with his achievement.
He managed to get back to his feet before walking up to the net and shaking hands with a stunned Cobolli. The crowd erupted into loud cheers, with many onlookers standing to applaud the player. His parents appeared emotional as they watched alongside US actress Elle Fanning and adventurer Bear Grylls, among others.
Historic Achievement
He is just the second wildcard in Wimbledon history to make it through to a semi-final, and will play men’s second seed, Zverev, on Friday. Following his victory, Fery told courtside interviewer Lee McKenzie: “I can’t believe it, it’s incredible playing on Centre Court for the second time, the second win.”
Asked how he would be preparing for Friday’s semi-final, he said: “I don’t know as I’ve never been in this position before. I’m just going to keep going, I’ve been doing great for the last 10 days, I’m just going to keep going and see where that takes me.”
Fan Reactions
Bettina and Clive Sanford, from north London, watched the match on Centre Court after getting ballot tickets. Mrs Sanford said it has been a “fantastic day” and praised Fery’s “calm” demeanour. Her husband said the match was “amazing”, adding: “He just played with confidence the whole time.”
Liz Hardisty, from West Sussex, was sitting on Henman Hill when Fery made his winning shot. Reacting to his victory, she said: “It was really exciting and I’m glad I came… It was worth coming just to see him, such an underdog, a wild card to get to the semi-final – it’s virtually unheard of.”
Road Ahead
It is 25 years since Goran Ivanisevic famously became the first wildcard to win the men’s singles title, and Fery is now only two wins away from matching that historic achievement. Having battled through deciding tie-breaks in comeback wins against Zizou Bergs and Grigor Dimitrov, 114th-ranked Fery completely outplayed ninth seed Cobolli on Centre Court, winning 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-0.
