Arthur Fery has kept the British flag flying at Wimbledon, advancing to the semi-finals after defeating Flavio Cobolli in straight sets on Centre Court on Wednesday. The 23-year-old wildcard recipient is now aiming to follow in Emma Raducanu's footsteps and become Britain's next Grand Slam winner.
Fery Inspired by Raducanu's 2021 Breakthrough
Raducanu achieved her major breakthrough at SW19 in 2021 after receiving a wildcard entry. She claimed her opening three matches in straight sets before withdrawing against Ajla Tomljanovic due to breathing difficulties. Raducanu subsequently captured the US Open crown later that year. Fery vividly recalls Raducanu's campaign and says it will provide him with motivation.
Fery said: "My memory of it was that it was impressive how she didn't let the occasion get to her. She would just keep going match after match, playing well, beating top players. That was until the title. It's very tough to do when you're not used to being on the stage, on such a big stage. She did it great when she won the US Open. I've been trying to do that as well. Just take it match by match, play my game, put what I do best on court. Yeah, keep doing that."
Confidence from Previous Win Over Cobolli
Fery revealed he gained additional confidence after defeating Cobolli at the Australian Open earlier this year. He added: "I felt, as I said on court, not comfortable but a bit more confident in playing someone that I'd played before on a big stage. Throughout the match, I felt like it was very, very close. At times, he was serving really well. But I felt like I had always a little bit, not of leeway, but a little bit of an edge. I managed to get through the second, which was huge, and then got through the third."
Upcoming Challenge Against Alexander Zverev
A huge challenge awaits next in second seed Alexander Zverev on Friday. For now, Fery is savouring the moment. He said: "It just seems to get better and better every match, I can't believe it. It's incredible playing on Centre Court for the second time, second win."
The Princess of Wales congratulated Fery on his win and wished him luck for the semi-final. She wrote on X: "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."
