Arthur Fery, a 23-year-old British wildcard, stormed into the Wimbledon semi-finals with a straight-sets victory over Italian ninth seed Flavio Cobolli on Centre Court, prompting tributes from the Princess of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Royal Recognition and Personal Tribute
The Princess of Wales, patron of the All England Club, wrote on social media: "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."
Watched by Queen Camilla from the royal box, Fery won 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-0 on Wednesday afternoon. He will face German second seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-final on Friday.
Queen Camilla's Surprise Visit
Queen Camilla made a surprise visit to Wimbledon, wearing a turquoise chiffon dress by designer Anna Valentine. Fery told reporters that Camilla waited for him after the match to congratulate him. "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. I told her it was my birthday on Sunday, so it would be great to play the Wimbledon final on my birthday," Fery said.
As Fery fired down an ace to clinch the match, he collapsed to the grass, seemingly overwhelmed. He got back to his feet, walked to the net, and shook hands with a stunned Cobolli. The crowd erupted in loud cheers, with many standing to applaud.
Prime Minister's Congratulations
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also congratulated Fery, who grew up only 10 minutes from Centre Court. He wrote: "What a moment for Arthur Fery. From wild card to Wimbledon semi-finalist, a brilliant performance on the biggest stage. Best of luck in your next match!"
Away from Centre Court, thousands of fans gathered on what was previously Henman Hill and Murray Mount, now dubbed "Arthur's Seat," to cheer Fery to victory.
Historic Achievement
Fery is the first British wildcard to reach the men's singles semi-finals in the Open Era and only the second wildcard in Wimbledon history to make a semi-final. It is 25 years since Goran Ivanisevic became the first wildcard to win the men's singles title; Fery is two wins away from matching that achievement.
Ranked 114th, Fery battled through deciding tie-breaks in comeback wins against Zizou Bergs and Grigor Dimitrov before completely outplaying Cobolli.
Fery's Reaction and Former Coach's Praise
Following his victory, Fery told courtside interviewer Lee McKenzie: "I can't believe it, it's incredible playing on Centre Court for the second time, the second win." Asked about preparing for Friday's semi-final, he said: "I don't know as I've never been in this position before. I'm just going to keep going, I've been doing a great job for the last 10 days."
His former coach Tinas Nortje, who coached him from age seven until his teenage years, told Sky News: "I think he did a very good job today, not surprised. Arthur showed great expertise in managing matches. He's very calm, takes up a challenge and doesn't waiver." Nortje added: "The one quality he had was his quiet determination. He's gone off to Stanford and played amazing tennis over there. Coming back home to Wimbledon, it has come full circle."
Fan Reactions
Bettina and Clive Sanford, from north London, watched the match on Centre Court after getting ballot tickets. Mrs Sanford called it a "fantastic day" and praised Fery's "calm" demeanour. Her husband said the match was "amazing," adding: "He just played with confidence the whole time."
Liz Hardisty, from West Sussex, was sitting on Henman Hill when Fery made his winning shot. She said: "It was really exciting... It was worth coming just to see him, such an underdog, a wild card to get to the semi-final – it's virtually unheard of."
