Arthur Fery is embracing the chance to learn from tennis greats at the Laver Cup this weekend. The British No.1 serves as the alternate for Team Europe, a squad featuring multi-Grand Slam champions Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, led by captains Yannick Noah and Tim Henman.
Fery, 24, said: "All the players here are unbelievable. Sascha won two slams. Carlos has obviously done what he's done for the past four, five years. Tim. It's all a little surreal, obviously. I'm just taking the positives out of it, trying to feel like I'm a part of the team and like I belong in it."
From the Stands to the Squad
Four years ago, the world No.36 was in the stands when the team competition first came to the O2 Arena for what was Roger Federer's retirement event. The Swiss star played a final doubles match alongside Rafael Nadal, while Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray also featured in the squad.
"I've been to the O2 a few times, actually to watch the Laver Cup four years ago," Fery recalled. "I watched Djokovic Tiafoe, I believe. I think that was day two, I would say. And I actually hit on the courts as well that year with the LTA."
"Yeah, I have a bit of experience in the O2. I did the hitting job for the ATP Finals in 2020 as well. Never been for concerts, but a lot of tennis."
Ready for a Call-Up
Now, Fery has been sparring with his Europe teammates as the alternate and could be called up to play a match if someone is unable to compete. "I've had some good practices, and I'm obviously wishing the best for my teammates, but hoping that I will also get some playing time on the weekend," he added. "I would love to get that experience and get out there and play some competitive matches."
When Fery was announced as Team Europe's alternate earlier this week, vice captain Henman told Express Sport: "It's been amazing to watch Arthur's progress throughout the whole year. He was in qualifying in Australia, beat [Flavio] Cobolli in the first round, and was ranked well outside the top 100."
"The way that he played on grass, obviously with that semi-final at Wimbledon was amazing, and it's transformed his career. Now getting into all the biggest and best tournaments. To get the opportunity at Laver Cup is brilliant and coincides so nicely with being in London."
