British tennis sensation Arthur Fery was greeted by Princess Kate at Wimbledon on Sunday and handed a birthday present on the final day of the 2026 Championships. The 21-year-old wildcard captured the nation's imagination with a fairytale run to the semi-finals, where he was eventually stopped by Alexander Zverev.
Fairytale Run Ends but Rankings Soar
Fery entered the tournament ranked 114th in the world, having qualified for the main draw via a wildcard. His exploits at the All England Club have propelled him into the top 40, marking a remarkable ascent in just two weeks. His semi-final loss to Zverev did not diminish his achievements, as he became the first British male wildcard to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in decades.
Meeting with the Princess of Wales
Ahead of the gentlemen's singles final between Zverev and Jannik Sinner, Fery met Princess Kate, the Patron of the All England Club. She presented him with a birthday card, acknowledging his birthday during the tournament. Fery said, "I mean, the princess came to my match in the second round, it was great to have her there and we spoke a little about that. It was good to see her here and good to meet her finally. She wished me good luck for the rest of the year and congratulated me for these two weeks."
An Offer to Coach Royal Children
In a lighthearted moment, Fery offered to coach the Princess's children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. "I know the whole family are all tennis fans, so I told her if her kids ever wanted to hit, I'm free. It would be good to see them again. Let's see, I don't know. Let's see if I get the call up," he added. The Princess is known to be an avid tennis fan and has attended multiple matches throughout the championships.
Impact on British Tennis
Fery's run has reignited interest in British tennis, with many drawing comparisons to the success of Emma Raducanu in 2021. His rise from obscurity to the world's top 40 has earned him praise from former players and pundits. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has highlighted his journey as a testament to the strength of British tennis development programs.
Looking Ahead
With his new ranking, Fery is now eligible for direct entry into major tournaments, bypassing qualifiers. He is expected to compete in the US Open later this year, where he will aim to build on his Wimbledon success. The birthday gift from Princess Kate, a signed photograph and a personal note, is likely to be a cherished memento as he continues his career.
