Wildcard Arthur Fery has defied expectations to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals, stunning the tennis world with his resolve and skill. Standing at 5ft 9in, he faces a monumental challenge in 6ft 6in Alexander Zverev, the French Open champion. Fery must excel in specific areas to secure a spot in the final.
Serve and Return Strategy
Fery's serve has been reliable but not spectacular, landing over 60% of first serves in his five matches. To pressure Zverev, he needs to push that figure closer to 70%. When he wins the first point on serve, Fery is strong, remaining unbroken in two matches and dropping only one game in two others. His returns have been excellent, putting 70% of balls back into play. He has won more than half the points on opponents' second serves, but against Zverev's powerful kick serve, he must stand close in to prevent it from bouncing over his head. Zverev often goes big on second serve, so Fery's consistent returns could exploit the German's vulnerability, leading to double faults.
Attack the Net
Zverev has adjusted his positioning at Wimbledon, standing closer to the baseline than in Paris, but he still returns from about six feet behind the baseline. This gives Fery room to attack. Fery has used serve-and-volley sparingly but effectively, winning 15 of 19 points. Overall, he has won 65% of net points (149 of 230), and in the quarter-finals against Flavio Cobolli, that figure rose to 77%. Both players are consistent from the baseline, each winning 49% of points there, so coming forward is crucial for Fery.
Use the Drop Shot
Fery's deft touch has been a highlight, and he must use the drop shot to disrupt Zverev's rhythm. The German loves to hammer backhands from the baseline, and Fery cannot let him settle. Using the drop shot early in rallies, perhaps right after the serve, can keep Zverev off balance. Even if it doesn't always work, the threat alone can sow doubt. Zverev is less comfortable at the net, so drawing him forward could yield success.
Capitalize on Opportunities
Zverev's serve has been exceptional, especially after winning his first grand slam title. In the quarter-finals against Taylor Fritz, he made 77% of first serves and won over 70% on both first and second serves. Fery's block return should get him into points, and when he earns break-point chances, he must convert them decisively.
Harness the Crowd
The crowd will be firmly behind Fery, the fifth British man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in the open era. A final appearance would be a fairytale. Engaging the crowd early is vital, especially since Fery has played four hours more than Zverev over five matches. He acknowledged this after his quarter-final win: "I've been trying to use the crowd to my advantage in important moments, just to add a little pressure maybe to the opponents. I'll try and do that again at moments that feel right on Friday."
This story was corrected on 10 July to clarify that Fery is the fifth British man, not the sixth Briton, to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon in the open era.
