British wildcard Arthur Fery has taken to social media to express his gratitude to supporters after securing a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals. The 23-year-old world number 114 defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-0 on Wednesday afternoon, setting up a final four clash against Alexander Zverev.
Fery's Historic Run
Before this week, Fery had never advanced beyond the second round at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. His victory over the ninth seed and French Open runner-up Cobolli marks the deepest run of his career at a Grand Slam. He is now just one win away from a place in Sunday's final.
In a social media post, Fery said: “Hey guys. I haven’t been on socials but wanted to jump on here quickly to say a massive thank you to everyone sending support. Means the world to me and I’m looking forward to the semi’s on Friday.”
Wildcard History
Goran Ivanisevic is the only other wildcard to have reached this stage at Wimbledon, and he went on to win the title. When asked if history could repeat itself, Fery said: "I have never been in this position before so I guess it will be a first time, and we will figure it out as we go. We will keep going, and see where that takes me."
Emotional Victory
Reacting to his victory, Fery 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, and a second win, I just can't believe it." He added: "I played Flavio earlier this year and beat him which was a boost of confidence, I knew I could do it even though it was my first time in the quarter-finals in a grand-slam. I just kept going, I was very nervous before but kept going until the finish line."
Fery described the emotions of the final game: "Definitely felt it on the inside, that last game I felt emotions I hadn't experienced before in my life and I think it's the same up there in my box. It's unbelievable to share it with those guys, they're a great bunch. I'm so happy."
Royal Encounter
Before his match, Fery met Queen Camilla, who came to greet both players. After the match, she congratulated him. Fery said: "We were getting ready to come on and she came to say hello, she introduced herself to both me and Flavio. Playing in front of tennis legends and now the Queen, it’s special." He added: "She was waiting for me at the end of the match. She congratulated me. I told her how much of an honour it was for me to play in front of her. She just said, ‘Congratulations, keep going.’"
Fery also noted that Sunday is his birthday, saying: "I told her it was my birthday on Sunday, so it would be great to play the Wimbledon final on my birthday."
