Arthur Fery has set his sights on following in Emma Raducanu's footsteps and becoming Britain's next Grand Slam champion after storming into the Wimbledon semi-finals. The 23-year-old wildcard dismantled Flavio Cobolli in straight sets on Centre Court on Wednesday, becoming the first British wildcard to reach the Gentlemen's Singles semi-finals in the Open Era.
Inspired by Raducanu's Run
Raducanu burst onto the scene at Wimbledon in 2021 as a wildcard, sweeping through her first three matches without dropping a set before retiring against Ajla Tomljanovic due to breathing difficulties. She went on to win the US Open later that year. Fery recalls her run vividly.
He said: "My memory of it was that it was impressive how she didn't let the occasion get to her. She would just keep going match after match, playing well, beating top players. That was until the title. It's very tough to do when you're not used to being on the stage, on such a big stage. She did great when she won the US Open."
Fery added: "Yeah, I've been trying to do that as well. Just take it match by match, play my game, put what I do best on court. Yeah, keep doing that."
Confidence from Previous Victory
Fery carried extra belief into the match, having defeated Cobolli at the Australian Open earlier this year. He said: "I felt, as I said on court, not comfortable but a bit more confident in playing someone that I'd played before on a big stage. Even throughout the match I felt like it was very, very close. At times he was serving really well. But I felt like I had always a little bit, not of leeway, but a little bit of an edge. Yeah, managed to get through the second, which was huge, and then got through the third."
Next Challenge: Alexander Zverev
A huge challenge awaits next in second seed Alexander Zverev on Friday. For now, Fery is savouring the moment. He 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, second win."
Royal and Political Praise
The Princess of Wales congratulated Fery on his win and wished him luck for the semi-final. She wrote on X: "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."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posted on X: "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!"
