Tim Henman immediately shut down Clare Balding during the BBC's post-match analysis of Arthur Fery's win over Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon. The British wildcard booked his place in the quarter-finals with a stunning fifth-set tiebreak, where he will face Flavio Cobolli.
Balding's Birthday Hint Shut Down
Balding mentioned that it is Fery's 24th birthday on Sunday, which coincides with the men's final, hinting that he could make it that far. "It's his birthday on Sunday Tim! Men's finals day," the BBC presenter said. Pundit Jamie Murray replied: "It's written in the stars." Balding continued: "And 25 years ago today, so before he was born, the only wildcard to win Wimbledon, Goran Ivanisevic, did that. I mean…"
However, Henman did not want the conversation to go down that path and intervened: "This is a much better story, let's not go back to 2001!" Balding backtracked, saying: "OK, let's just keep looking forward, you're right." Serbian star Goran Ivanisevic beat Henman in an epic five-set semi-final before going on to clinch the trophy. It was the third of Henman's four losses at that stage in the tournament.
Murray's Analysis on Fery's Chances
Meanwhile, Murray thinks that Fery will go into his clash with the No. 9 seed as a big underdog. He said: "He would still start the match as underdog given the difference in ranking and experience, and Cobolli having just coming off the final at Roland Garros, but I think Arthur has proven to be a great grass court player and poses a lot of different questions to players."
"He's not afraid to come forward, he's approached the net more than anybody in this tournament. He asks different questions, asks players to come up with passing shots at regularity and Cobolli will have to be on guard at being rushed."
"Arthur likes to take time away from his opponents - not necessarily through pure power in his game and in his shots, but more in his court awareness, court craft, coming forward, seeing his opponents off balance and rushing the net, ghosting in, crush and rush on the return, but also the ability to build his points."
"But he's also quick to see his opponents off balance and he uses that opportunity to move forward and finish the point at the net."
