On Henman Hill, every stroke and serve from Arthur Fery was cheered on by an energetic crowd. There was hardly a blade of grass in sight on the famous mount which some have now dubbed Arthur’s Seat in tribute to Britain’s new tennis hero. Aside from being in Centre Court to watch Fery take on second seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-final, this was the best place in the world to tune in.
Thousands Pack Henman Hill for Fery's Semi-Final
Thousands were packed in under the hot sun to watch the action unfold on the big screen outside of Court One. And after much searching, I was lucky enough to find myself a small (very small) spot to join the crowds cheering on Fery. Before the match started, there was a noticeable sense of tension in the air. Wildcard Fery was never supposed to get this far, but the man who grew up just down the road had so far defied all expectations.
The 23-year-old’s first point was met with an almighty roar. The energy was contagious and it was hard not to get caught up in the Fery fever. Everyone — in a rather classic well-mannered Wimbledon tone — was urging the local lad on to make history yet again. Along with the chorus of gentle clapping and shouts of ‘come on Arthur’, was the sound of champagne bottles being popped.
A Wimbledon Atmosphere Like No Other
Many were tucking into picnics and strawberries and cream on their blankets as they intently watched, while others sipped on glasses of Pimms. Oh, how so Wimbledon! Henman Hill was bubbling with hopes of British victory and it was packed to the rafters. In fact it was so busy, stewards had to close it off and a long queue began to form. One fan unfurled an England flag as Fery won one key match in the to-and-fro first set which was eventually won by Zverev after a tiebreak.
The 6ft 6 German went on to defeat the local hero 7-6 (7-0), 6-2, 6-4. All good things must come to an end, as the old saying goes. The Fery-tale at Wimbledon may have reached its conclusion, but when one chapter closes another opens. And judging by the support on Henman Hill, the 23-year-old won’t be short on support for his next challenge. US Open anyone?
