Britain’s Arthur Fery produces tenacious display fit for a princess

Britain’s Arthur Fery produces tenacious display fit for a princess Last updated 02 July 2026 2:22pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Key moments One set away from round three Fery wins the third set 6-3 Briton draws level Fery wins second-set tie-break Royalty on Court 18 Princess Catherine is here Fery takes on Virtanen Day four at Wimbledon Expand all Arthur Fery is into the third round of Wimbledon for the first time in his career Credit: John Walton/PA James Corrigan. Eugene Allen live updates, at Wimbledon Last updated 02 July 2026 2:22pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Key moments One set away from round three Fery wins the third set 6-3 Briton draws level Fery wins second-set tie-break Royalty on Court 18 Princess Catherine is here Fery takes on Virtanen Day four at Wimbledon Expand all In a performance fit for a princess, Arthur Fery went into service for his country and ensured that Britain avoided the ignominy of not having a player in the third round of either draw for the first time since 1990. Princess Catherine arrive here on Court 18, taking her seat alongside Tim Henman among the startled punters during the first set, and although Fery actually lost the opener to Finn Otto Virtanen, the 23-year-old took inspiration to progress a round further than last year. Princess Catherine and Tim Henman watched Fery in action Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA The crowd were inevitably ecstatic, enthused not only by some rare home success at these Championships and the unexpected and commendable appearance of a royal here on the outer courts – The Princess left midway through the second set – but by Fery fighting through a battle featuring a 6ft 4in giant with all the power and a 5ft 9in opponent with all the shots. Probably due to the size difference and his suitability to grass, Virtanen came in as the favourite, despite currently being No 114 in the world and Fery 23 rungs better in the rankings. But, as Virtanen pummelled down 16 aces, the outsider had the greater quality both with the ground stokes and in and around the net to guarantee himself at least £160,000, the biggest payday of his burgeoning career.  After such a bleak start to Wimbledon, the fans at last have a player to get behind. Fery felt obliged to wear earbuds in his first round as Damir Dzumhur repeatedly moaned to the umpire. But here he was glad to hear the roars. More to follow... Latest updates James Corrigan. Eugene Allen live updates, at Wimbledon 2:08PM Fery wins! Link copied to clipboard Fery, serving for the match, starts well with a serve out wide. Virtanen wins the next point off the back of a Fery serve-volley play. The Briton gets to 30-15 off a good serve plus-one. Virtanen then nets a backhand to bring up two match points for Fery.  A superb passing shot saves the first for Virtanen. And Fery wins it with a clean backhand winner!  Game, set and match: Fery! 2:04PM Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 5-3 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen, serving to stay in the match, goes long following a stong Fery backhand approach. The Finn then levels with a volley and sneaks ahead with a nice drop-volley. 30-15. Fery goes long on the backhand wing to give Virtanen two game points. The Finn nets a forehand approach on his first but secures the game after seeing a Fery forehand fly out. 2:00PM *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 5-2 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery races to a 30-0 lead before getting caught in two minds on an approach shot. The Briton sees the resulting volley sail long before showing his hands at the net in the next point to move 40-15 ahead. Virtanen hangs in there as Fery goes long from the baseline. 40-30. But the Briton closes out the game with an ace. One game will do it now! 1:55PM Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 4-2 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen starts with an ace and then comes out on top after an extended baseline exchange for a 30-0 lead. Fery then nets a return to give the Finn three game points and he holds to love. 1:52PM *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 4-1 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery, looking to consolidate the break, starts well before Virtanen levels at 15-15. Fery then cruises to a 40-15 lead before netting a forehand from the baseline. 40-30. A good body serve is returned long and the Briton holds! 1:49PM Briton firmly in charge Link copied to clipboard Fery is firmly in charge for the moment, but this contest has ebbed and flowed and there could be twists yet. Virtanen is playing erratically but also brilliantly in patches and the Briton will be desperate to finish off the Finn as soon as possible. Fans really getting behind Fery in what has turned into a great atmosphere. 1:48PM Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 3-1 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Fery gets on the board first after a strong return. Virtanen then sees a forehand sail wide to fall 0-30 behind.  A good passing shot gets the Finn on the board before more strong net-play sees Fery move to 15-40. Two break points! And Briton breaks first in set four off the back of an arrowing forehand winner down the line. 1:43PM *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 2-1 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery holds to 15 to maintain his lead in set four. The Briton is going about his business very professionally on Court 18. 1:40PM Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 1-1 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Some good digging sees Virtanen get to 30-0 before the Finn fires down an ace for 40-0. Virtanen holds to love to level up in this fourth set. 1:37PM Fourth set: *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 1-0 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point with a forehand volley. A Virtanen baseline error gives Fery a 30-0 lead. The Finn then plays a return wide as the score moves to 40-0. Fery plays a backhand wide but then closes out the game with a forehand winner. 1:33PM Fery wins the third set 6-3 Link copied to clipboard Fery races to 0-30 lead following two errors from Virtanen who eventually gets on the board at 15-30. The Briton then gets to 15-40. Virtanen wins the next point leaving Fery with one more set point and Briton wins it as the Finn goes long with a forehand on the stretch. 1:29PM *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 5-3 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery sees a Virtanen return sail long and then another sail wide to open up a 30-0 lead. Some casual net-play gets Virtanen on the board at 30-15. A Fery double-fault brings the score to 30-30. A nice T-serve moves Fery to 40-30. Virtanen gets to deuce after some good play from the baseline. A nice overhead gives Fery advantage and the Briton holds. 1:22PM Fery 5-7, 7-6, 4-3 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen starts with a double fault but wins the next two points off the back of two strong first serves. The Finn holds to 15. 1:20PM *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 4-2 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery, looking to consolidate the break, wins the opening point before seeing a backhand sail wide. The Briton then comes up with a forehand winner down the line for 30-15 and then delivers a strong serve out wide, Virtanen can only return into the net.  Fery holds! 1:16PM Fery 5-7, 7-6, 3-2 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard A nice drop-volley gets Fery on the board first. Virtanen then nets a forehand to fall 0-30 behind, then gets lobbed as Fery moves to 0-40. Three break points. And the Briton takes it on his first opportunity. 1:14PM *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 2-2 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard After exchanging the opening couple of points, Fery goes 30-15 ahead with a delicate forehand volley. The Briton then sees a backhand slice land wide before taking control of the next point with a big forehand down the line. Virtanen then plays a great return in to the feet of Fery who was coming in off the back of a serve out wide. Deuce.  The Finn then goes wide with a forehand, breaking a string in the process. Advantage Fery. The Briton holds as Virtanen goes long with a backhand. 1:06PM Fery 5-7, 7-6, 1-2 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen races to a 40-0 lead before delivering a double fault. The Finn closes out the game to 15. 1:04PM *Fery 5-7, 7-6, 1-1 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the first point with a nice put-away volley. The Briton then wins the next two points to move to 40-0 before seeing a forehand sail wide. 40-15. The Briton sees out the game with a deep backhand volley. 1:00PM Third set: Fery 5-7, 7-6, 0-1 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point before Virtanen restores order with an ace. Another strong delivery sees Virtanen move 30-15 ahead before he nets a forehand for 30-30. Fery gets a break point look after another Virtanen forehand error. The Briton is unable to take advantage as he skies a forehand and then goes wide with a return to give Virtnanen advantage. The Finn holds to get things started in set three. 12:53PM An enthralling contest Link copied to clipboard Tremendous grit from Fery to square up the match as he wins the second set. Fery raised his arms to the crowd during the tie-break and the crowd responded. Shame that The Princess had already left, but I’m sure she is following it on her iPhone. This is an enthralling contest between the 6ft 4in Finn with all the power and the 5ft 9in Briton with all the shots. Fery celebrates after winning the second set Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images 12:46PM Fery wins second-set tie-break Link copied to clipboard Briton takes the lead as Virtanen nets a return. 1-0. Fery then gets the mini break after a nice forehand pass. 2-0. Virtanen gets on the board with a forehand winner. 2-1. Virtanen then frames a forehand. 3-1. Fery nets a forehand following a deep Virtanen return. Back on serve. 3-2. The Briton then skies a forehand as Virtanen draws level. 3-3. Fery comes up with a forehand-pass to edge ahead again. 4-3. Good serve out wide sees the Briton increase his lead. 5-3. Superb volley on the stretch gives the Briton three set points. 6-3. And the Briton takes it! 12:38PM Fery 5-7, 6-6 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen, serving to stay in the set, quickly gets to 30-0. A lovely forehand-cross moves the score to 40-0 before a deep Fery return sees the Briton get on the board. Virtanen closes out to 15. Tie-break we go! 12:34PM *Fery 5-7, 6-5 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point then delivers an ace for a 30-0 lead. A short return then catches the Briton out as he sees a forehand land in Virtanen’s left tramline. Good approach play is rewarded again as Fery moves 40-15 ahead. Virtanen wins the next point after drawing an error from the Briton.  Fery then goes wide with a forehand as the score moves to deuce. Good serve out wide sets up the point for Fery who moves to advantage. And the Briton holds as Virtanen nets a forehand. 12:30PM Fery 5-7, 5-5 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen gets on the board first and then sees Fery go wide with a forehand to move 30-0 ahead. The Finn then brings the Briton in with nice drop shot for 40-0 but nets a forehand volley. 40-15. Fery is unable to return the Virtanen serve and the Finn holds. 12:25PM *Fery 5-7, 5-4 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard The Briton quickly gets to 40-0 before Virtanen hits a clean winner from the baseline to move to 40-15. A double-fault then moves the score to 40-30. Fery closes out the game with a nice forehand, putaway volley. 12:23PM Fery 5-7, 4-4 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen races to a 40-0 lead before throwing in a drop shot that fails to make it over the net.  Fery then gets his skates on to make a backhand pass on the slide but Virtanen eventually holds to 30. 12:20PM *Fery 5-7, 4-3 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery registers his best service game of the set, holding to love. Just like the first set, the Briton has been serving well in set two. Arthur Fery in action on Court 18 Credit: Marko Djurica/Reuters 12:18PM Princess departs Link copied to clipboard The Princess has seen enough departing as it is 3-2 in the second set, and Fery will be praying it leads to an upturn. He has looked increasingly frustrated, perhaps realising he should not have lost the first. Virtanen appears to be growing in confidence. 12:17PM Fery 5-7, 3-3 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen holds to 15 to draw level in this second set. The Finn looks like he is finding his rhythm now in this contest. 12:14PM *Fery 5-7, 3-2 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery starts the game with a serve-volley combination. Virtanen then goes long with a return as Fery moves 30-0 ahead. The Briton then gets to 40-0 before closing out the game to love. 12:12PM Fery 5-7, 2-2 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen races to a 30-0 lead, showing good reaction with nice reaction volley on the backhand wing.  A strong serving display sees the Finn hold to love. 12:09PM *Fery 5-7, 2-1 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery holds to 15 to move ahead in set two. Despite losing the first set that was in his control, the Briton has started this second in good fashion. 12:06PM Fery 5-7, 1-1 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen, looking more comfortable, races to a 30-0 lead that extends to 40-0 as a Fery return sails long. The Finn levels after holding to love. 12:03PM Second set: *Fery 5-7, 1-0 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery registers the first point after a good baseline exchange. Virtanen then plays a strong backhand down the line to make it 15-15 before Fery edges ahead after a good forehand approach. Virtanen then nets a forehand and Fery sees out the game to 15. 12:00PM Fery decline Link copied to clipboard Hate to point this out. But as soon as the Princess arrived here on Court 18 to commendably take her place among the punters, Arthur Fery went into reverse, with the Finn breaking to make it  6-5. Virtanen duly holds serve for the first set, after looking second best for the majority of it. 11:59AM Virtanen wins the first set 7-5 Link copied to clipboard Virtanen, serving for the set, comfortably closes out with a hold to 15. The Finn stepped up his game towards the end of the first set which told in the end. Otto Virtanen celebrates after taking the first set Credit: Adam Vaughan/Shutterstock 11:52AM *Fery 5-6 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery, now being watched by the Princess of Wales, gets involved in a few extended exchanges. The Briton gives Virtanen a look at 30-30 before moving 40-30 ahead.  A forehand error from the Briton then brings the score to deuce. An incredible pick-up from Virtanen gives the Finn his first break-point look. And Virtanen breaks as Fery nets a backhand. 11:48AM Princess Catherine is here Link copied to clipboard Plenty of kerfuffle here on Court 18 as Princess Catherine arrives with Tim Henman to watch Fery. Virtanen serving to stay in the set. Catherine, Princess of Wales on Court 18 alongside Tim Henman Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty Images 11:47AM Fery 5-5 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Fery is rewarded for staying patient as he plays a backhand on the stretch into the open court. The Briton then nets from the baseline as Virtanen levels at 15-15. The Finn then wins the next few points in rapid fashion and holds to 15. 11:44AM *Fery 5-4 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Strong first serve is returned long from Virtanen. Fery then goes long with a forehand down the line before moving 30-15 ahead. More good approach-play is rewarded as Fery finishes the point with a nice backhand volley for a 40-15 lead. The Briton then shanks a forehand but finishes the next point at the net again for another solid hold. 11:40AM Fery 4-4 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen, looking more comfortable on serve, races to 30-0 lead before Fery gets to 30-15. Fery then stays patient during an extended rally but is unable to make any inroads as Virtanen holds to 30. 11:37AM *Fery 4-3 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery races to a 30-0 lead before gifting a point to Virtanen following a baseline error. The Briton, maintaining his strong momentum, goes on to hold to 15. 11:35AM Fery on top Link copied to clipboard Fery is on top, despite it standing at 3-3 in the first. The Briton has raced through his service games but challenged on the Finn’s, forcing a couple of break points in the fourth game and then taking him to deuce in the sixth. Virtanen, a big server, has yet to find his range and this set is there for the taking.  11:33AM Fery 3-3 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Good return from Fery sees the Briton register the first point before Virtanen delivers an ace to make it 15-15. A good approach from Virtanen gets him to 30-15. A double fault then gives Fery a look in at 30-30. Fery then bides his time before coming in and closing out the point with a forehand volley.  Break point Fery. Virtanen saves with a well-timed drop shot. He then delivers his sixth ace of the match to move to advantage but is unable to close out after a good return from Fery. Virtanen eventually sees out the game. 11:27AM *Fery 3-2 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Strong love hold sees Fery move ahead in set one. The Briton is holding serve with considerable ease at the moment. 11:25AM Fery 2-2 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen quickly gets to 40-15 before seeing Fery mount a comeback and get to deuce with a net-cord volley. The Briton then gets to advantage after drawing an error from the Finn who saves break point with strong forehand approach. Another error from Virtanen brings up another break point for Fery. Virtanen saves with an ace. A third ace from Virtanen brings up game point. Double-fault moves the score back to deuce. Fery grinding from the baseline is unable to close out the game on his second break point. Two strong first deliveries get Virtanen out of trouble and he holds. 11:19AM Plenty of Finnish support in the crowd Link copied to clipboard Plenty of Finnish support here on Court 18 for Otto Virtanen, the pride of Helsinki, but the bulk of the cheers will be for Arthur Fery, the British No 3 trying to become the first from his country through to the third round. Bookies are predicting a close encounter. 11:17AM *Fery 2-1 Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery, serving well, races to a 30-0 lead. The Briton then delivers his first ace of the match for a 40-0 lead then sees a Virtanen return sail long. Strong love-hold from Fery. 11:16AM Fery 1-1 Virtanen* Link copied to clipboard Virtanen double-faults on his opening point on serve before playing a nice drop shot that catches Fery out. 15-15. Fery then returns long as Finn moves 30-15 ahead. Some good scrambling gets Fery back in at 30-30. Virtanen then assumes control again, before getting to deuce and then holds. What is it with Wimbledon crowds? A little bird landed here on Court 18 and some fans found it so funny that one suspected that Peter Kay had walked on and started on his routine. Anyway, 1-1 in the first.  11:11AM First set: *Arthur Fery 1-0 Otto Virtanen Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point as a Virtanen return sails long. The Briton then concedes the next point before going on to hold to 15 to get things started on Court 18. 11:06AM Players are on court Link copied to clipboard Otto Virtanen won the toss and has elected to receive. 10:59AM Fery looking to create personal history Link copied to clipboard Fery is bidding to become the 4th British wild card to reach the men’s singles third round at Wimbledon since 2000 – after Andy Murray (who achieved the feat in 2005 and 2021), James Ward (2015) and Liam Broady (2022 and 2023).Fellow British wild card Jacob Fearnley could also reach the third round later today.Fery broke the top 200 for the first time in October 2025. He has reached a new career-high ranking of No 114.Virtanen is aiming to become the fourth Finnish player in history, man or woman, to reach the third round at Wimbledon – after Pekka Saila (1967), Jarkko Nieminen (2003, 2006-07) and Emil Ruusuvuori (2024).Virtanen advanced to the second round after defeating No 4 seed Ben Shelton on Tuesday. It was his first victory in a five-set match, having lost the three other five-set matches he has contested, including to Tommy Paul in the second round last year. 10:44AM Day four at Wimbledon Link copied to clipboard Hello and welcome to coverage from Wimbledon as Arthur Fery plays Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen. Frey earned his place in the second round after beating Bosnian opponent Damir Dzumhur ‌3-6, 6-2, ​6-2, 6-1. The match ⁠was overshadowed by Fery being called dishonest by Dzumhur. But Fery, one of 12 British wildcards, kept his cool and even used earplugs while Dzumhur complained to the umpire.  “It was expected, to be honest,” said Fery, who is through to the second round for a second straight year. “He does that with everyone. I guess I was just ready for it before the match. If it’s a let, it’s a let for everyone, right, it’s not just a let for him. Whether the point carries on or not, it’s the same for both of us. “He obviously wants to make a problem with the umpire and then is trying to speak to me about it. But there is nothing to really speak about. Just trying to get the other player involved for no reason.” Fery is now on the verge of breaking into the top 100 after also reaching the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club earlier this month. The British No 3 is the higher-ranked player but Virtanen has also shone on grass this summer and knocked out fourth seed Ben Shelton in the biggest upset of the tournament so far. “It’s a surprise, definitely,” said Fery. “But it’s an opportunity. He’s obviously a great grass-court player.” Fery grew up five minutes from Wimbledon and would often visit the tournament as a child. He is the heir to an estimated £275m fortune thanks to his father, Loïc Fery, a hedge fund manager and president of Brittany-based Ligue 1 club FC Lorient.