Zizou Bergs was overcome with emotion and walked out of his press conference after a heartbreaking five-set defeat to Arthur Fery at Wimbledon. The Belgian world No. 37 squandered 4-1 leads in both the fourth and fifth sets, losing after a grueling four-and-a-half-hour match.
Emotional Collapse
When asked for his thoughts on the match, Bergs replied: "Crazy or the worst, you can decide." Questioned about his emotional state, he broke down in tears and fled the room. After composing himself, he returned and said: "You feel you put yourself in many positions to be better, to win the match, and for some reason it doesn't want to fall on my side today and he was just playing better when it mattered so I'm afraid there is little to add to it than to say that he deserved to win."
Nosebleeds and Controversy
Fery endured three nosebleeds during the match, which seemed to disrupt Bergs' momentum. However, Bergs absolved Fery of any responsibility: "No [I'm not frustrated by the nosebleeds], it's OK." Fery, the British No. 3, said he relied on his fighting spirit: "I knew that he maybe could get a little shaky when he was getting close to winning the match, as well. I don't think he's made the fourth round of a slam either. Yeah, just trying to keep fighting, keep calm, and just play."
Next Challenge
Fery, now Britain's last hope in the singles draws, will face Matteo Berrettini in the fourth round on Monday. He said: "I've practiced with both of them. I don't know either of them well. Obviously two very established players... I'm looking forward to it. I feel confident in myself."
