Comeback king Arthur Fery stuns Dimitrov to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals

Comeback king Arthur Fery stuns Dimitrov to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals Last updated 06 July 2026 9:05pm 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 Arthur Fery’s dream Wimbledon goes on Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph Simon Briggs Tennis Correspondent and Senior Feature Writer. Eugene Allen at Wimbledon Last updated 06 July 2026 9:05pm 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 The dream goes on for Arthur Fery, the miracle man who has become the most unlikely Wimbledon quarter-finalist Britain has ever produced. When a player ranked outside the world’s top 100 reaches the last eight of this tournament, it’s normally an experienced campaigner who has been sidelined by injury – just like Fery’s fourth-round opponent Grigor Dimitrov. But to come here and win four rounds as a virtual novice – as Fery has done over the last week – is simply not the sort of thing that happens in pro tennis. It feels, whisper it, Raducanu-esque. Even Peter Colt, fictional hero of Wimbledon the movie, had been a former top-20 player who recovered his form with the help of Kirsten Dunst’s love interest. So Fery’s run could genuinely be described as stranger than fiction. Just to add to the feverish feeling on Centre Court on Monday, Roger Federer was sitting in the middle of the Royal Box while Fery ousted Dimitrov – the man whose silky single-handed backhand earned him the nickname of “Baby Fed” – with a display of astonishing guts and skill. Roger Federer applauds Fery after his excellent win Credit: James Fearn/Getty Images The extraordinary thing about Fery is that he seems completely impervious to pressure. Actually, that’s not the right phrase. Fery actively responds to pressure – but in the opposite direction to most players of his youth and inexperience. The bigger the point, the better he plays it. There were times during this four-hour epic when it seemed that Dimitrov had finally quenched Fery’s resistance, especially when he twice led by a break in the fourth set. But the extremity of the situation brought an even more extreme response from Fery, who conjured volley winners and unplayable returns out of nothing. For the final point of that set, Dimitrov manoeuvred himself into a strong position at the net, only for Fery to whip a fizzing backhand pass onto the sideline. It was a similar story in the decisive ten-point tie-break. As the light faded, Dimitrov once again worked a lead at 5-4, with two serves to come, only to double-fault.  As a 35-year-old whose career has entered its twilight years, Dimitrov knows he only has so many chances left at his favourite tournament. A cold and invisible hand seemed to grip his vitals at that moment. But Fery? The 23-year-old making his first visit to Centre Court? He responded with an ace down the middle. What magic was this? The crowd rose as one to acclaim Fery in the gloaming, and the ovation lasted so long that we could have been at Cannes Film Festival. ARTHUR FERY IS A WIMBLEDON QUARTER-FINALIST 🤩 pic.twitter.com/NlBQqgru8a — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2026 He had started this match as a rank outsider, and barely laid a glove on Dimitrov in the first half-hour, only finally winning a point against serve in the 27th minute. But he had been here before. Outgunned by Otto Virtanen in the second round, trailing to Zizou Bergs in the third, Fery had showed the character that distinguishes his play as much as his sweetly struck backhand. Now, on the biggest stage of all, he showed it again. In a year that has seen Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu withdraw from Wimbledon, Britain was looking for a flag-carrier to get behind. And at the end of a wonderful 24 hours for English sport, tennis-lovers have found the hero we needed. Latest reaction below... Latest updates Simon Briggs Tennis Correspondent and Senior Feature Writer. Eugene Allen at Wimbledon 9:03PM That is a wrap! Link copied to clipboard That concludes our coverage from day eight at SW19, thanks for joining us. Back for more tomorrow. 8:57PM ‘He’s got a shot at the semi-finals’ Link copied to clipboard Greg Rusedski was proud of Fery’s efforts. “If you look at the two players’ careers, Dimitrov has always buckled at the big moments,” said Rusedski on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. “Fery stood tall, took advantage and said ‘I’m going to find a way, I’m going to find a solution’. He deserves everything he got here today. “He’s got a shot at the semi-finals with this crowd, with this attitude, boy I’m excited. I’m so, so proud of him. 8:49PM First wild card to reach the last eight since 2014 Link copied to clipboard 1 - Arthur Fery is the first wild card to reach the quarterfinals in Men's Singles at Wimbledon since Nick Kyrgios in 2014. Hope. #Wimbledon | @Wimbledon @atptour pic.twitter.com/2VeMb2xmyG — OptaAce (@OptaAce) July 6, 2026 8:46PM ‘The support is unbelievable’ Link copied to clipboard Fery speaking during his on-court interview post-match: “Where to start. I have no words right now, it’s tough to put into words on this tennis court, in front of all you guys, the support was phenomenal. “I’m not going to swear, that would be a problem. First time on this court, five sets against an absolute legend of the game, I grew up five minutes from here, I grew up coming to watch matches on this court. We’ve got probably the greatest of all time watching over there [Roger Federer], I saw him and now playing here in front of all you guys and winning and having the support is unbelievable.” Fery salutes the crowd during his on-court interview Credit: Mike Egerton/PA 8:36PM The match point Link copied to clipboard ARTHUR FERY IS A WIMBLEDON QUARTER-FINALIST 🤩 pic.twitter.com/NlBQqgru8a — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2026 8:33PM Cobolli up next for Fery Link copied to clipboard Flavio Cobolli the No 9 seed from Italy will be Fery’s quarter-final opponent after the Italian upset fifth seed Alex de Minaur in straight sets earlier. Flavio Cobolli celebrates after securing his place in last eight at SW19 Credit: Marko Djurica/Reuters 8:22PM Fery delivers in five Link copied to clipboard FERY DESTINATION: QUARTER-FINALS 🚢 The British wild card overcomes Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set thriller to continue his dream run into a maiden Grand Slam QF 👏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/g7UCv7aHrt — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2026 8:20PM Fery wins in five!!! Link copied to clipboard Fery starts with an ace. 1-0. Dimitrov then comes up with a forehand-cross for a clean winner. 1-1. Backhand volley winner on the slide sees Dimitrov move ahead. 1-2. Fery draws an from the Bulgarian on the backhand wing. 2-2. The Briton then sees a first serve unreturned. 3-2. Fery gets the first mini break as Dimitrov nets from the baseline. 4-2. Dimitrov aces. 4-3. The Bulgarian draws level with a backhand volley winner. 4-4. Fery nets a forehand to hand Dimitrov a mini break. 4-5. Dimitrov double-faults. 5-5. Fery nets a return. 5-6. Fery plays a backhand volley into the open court. 6-6. The Briton edges ahead with an ace. 7-6. Fery gets another mini break. 8-6. Dimitrov comes up with a big serve-volley play. 8-7. Two match points for Fery as Dimitrov nets a backhand slice. 9-7. Game. Set. Match. Arthur Fery!!! Fery spreads his arms in celebration after winning in five sets on his Centre Court debut Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph 8:08PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-6 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov, serving to stay in the tournament, comes up with two huge first deliveries to move 30-0 ahead. Fery then nets a return to fall 40-0 behind but then comes up with a backhand return winner to get on the board but Dimitrov holds. Match tie-break will decide this one.  8:04PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-5 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov gets on the board first and then nets a backhand volley as the score moves to 15-15. Fery then finds the corner of Dimitrov’s baseline move 30-15 ahead but nets a backhand in the next point for 30-30. A superb angled volley winner brings up game point for Fery and the Briton holds. He has guaranteed himself at least 10-point match tie-break with that hold. Fery celebrates after securing another service hold Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph 8:00PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 5-5 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov goes wide with a forehand to fall 0-15 behind then wins the next two points to move 30-15 ahead. Fery gets to 30-30 and asks for more from the crowd. Huge serve plus-one play brings up game point for Dimitrov who holds after ripping a forehand down the line. 7:55PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 5-4 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point but concedes the second after Dimitrov shows attacking intent. Fery then goes long on a short forehand to give Dimitrov a look at 15-30 before getting to 30-30 with a superb backhand drive-volley winner. The Briton than shanks a forehand as the score moves to deuce. Dimitrov nets a forehand approach to give Fery advantage... and the Briton secures the game with a wonderfully-taken forehand volley. 7:49PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 4-4 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov finishes at the net with a forehand volley to get on the board first. At 15-15 Dimitrov is brought into the court puts away a short forehand before netting backhand to give Fery another look at 30-30. The Bulgarian then comes up with a forehand up the line for a clean winner before eventually seeing out the game to 30. 7:45PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 4-3 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Backhand winner sees Dimitrov get on the board first before Fery gets to 30-15. The Briton then goes long on the backhand wing as the score move to 30-30.  Game point Fery after a forehand winner and the Briton holds as Dimitrov goes long with a bakchand.  7:41PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 3-3 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov falls 0-15 behind, as Fery lets off a huge roar. The Bulgarian then gets to 15-15 after a Fery nets a return.  Dimitrov races 40-15 ahead and then nets a volley to give Fery a look at 40-30 but Bulgarian holds. 3-3! 7:35PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 3-2 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery finds the line down 0-15 before falling 15-30 behind. At 30-30, Dimitrov sprays a backhand from the baseline to give Fery game point and the Briton holds. 7:32PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 2-2 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrove holds to love, closing out the game with an ace to move the score to 2-2 in this deciding set. 7:28PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 2-1 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov nets a forehand at 0-15. Fery then sees a forehand played on the stretch sail long to fall 15-30 behind. Dimitrov goes long with a forehand for 30-30 then falls 40-30 behind after netting a backhand. Fery holds to 30. 7:24PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 1-1 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov wins the opening point before going 30-0 ahead with a forehand pass. The Bulgarian then gets to 40-0 after drawing an error from Fery and then secures the game with a magical backhand passing shot. 7:22PM Fifth set: *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery, high on adrenaline from taking the fourth set, gets things started in the fifth with a good hold to 30. 7:16PM Fery wins the fourth set 6-4 Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov, serving to stay in the set, delivers a double fault before falling 0-30 behind. An error at the net brings up three break points for Fery. Dimitrov saves the first off a deep forehand and the second with a backhand-cross. Fery then comes up with an incredible passing shot on his final break point to secure the set. Into a fifth set we go! Fery celebrates after securing the fourth set Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph 7:12PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 5-4 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery races to 30-0 lead after two confident points on serve. An ace then sees the Briton move 40-0 ahead and Fery holds to love to move ahead in this fourth set.  7:09PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 4-4 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov begins the game with a stylish backhand smash. Fery gets on the board as Dimitrov nets a volley. The Briton then shows off his good hands with angled forehand volley winner. More good baseline play sees Fery get to 15-40. Dimitrov saves the first break point with a strong first serve but is unable to save the second as Fery immediately breaks back! 7:04PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 3-4 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery falls 0-15 behind before drawing level at 15-15 after Dimitrov nets a forehand from the baseline. The Bulgarian then makes a mess of an easy volley, going wide as Fery moves to 30-15. The Briton then goes long with backhand from the baseline for 30-30 before Dimitrov rips a forehand for a clean winner to bring up a break point and Bulgarian breaks again after putting away a backhand volley. 7:00PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 3-3 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov registers his fifth double fault at 15-15 before delivering an ace to go 30-15 ahead.  Fery then gets to 30-30 following a Dimitrov error, but the Bulgarian eventually sees out the game to 30. 6:55PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 3-2 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point and plays a sitting duck at the net as Dimitrov fires a forehand at the Briton. Dimitrov then wins the next point to move 15-30 ahead before Fery draws level at 30-30. A good T-serve is returned into the net giving Fery a 40-30 lead and the Briton closes out the game with his fourth ace of the contest. 6:52PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 2-2 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Fery gets a look at a break point at 30-40 and takes it as Dimitrov nets a backhand slice and we are back on serve! 6:47PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 1-2 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery goes long with a backhand to hand Dimitrov a break-point look and the Bulgarian does not need a second invitation to take the game as he forces another error on the forehand wing of Fery. First blood Dimitrov in set four. Dimitrov reacts after breaking Fery’s serve Credit: Neil Hall/Shutterstock 6:43PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 1-1 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard After trading the opening couple points, Dimitrov gets to 30-15 before seeing forehand error move to the score to 30-30.  Fery, showing some good fighting spirit, gets to deuce but is unable to make any inroads as Dimitrov closes out the game with well-taken overhead. 6:39PM Dimitrov ahead on the winner count Link copied to clipboard Fortune is favouring the brave here, with Dimitrov pushing forward whenever possible and taking the attack to Fery. He may be making a few more mistakes than Fery, but he has also his 40 winners to his opponent’s 18. 6:38PM Fourth set: *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 1-0 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery, down 15-30, throws in a serve-volley play that catches Dimitrov as Bulgarian nets a backhand.  At 30-40, Fery is then made to put away two overheads before getting to advantage following a strong first serve. The Briton holds to get things started in this fourth set. 6:32PM Dimitrov wins the third set 6-4 Link copied to clipboard A fired up Fery wins the opening point before Dimitrov quickly gets to 30-15. A double fault from Dimitrov gives Fery a look at 30-30. Ace No 12 brings up set point for the Bulgarian and Dimitrov closes out the game and the third set as Fery goes wide from the baseline. 6:27PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 4-5 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery falls 0-30 behind after combination of errors from the net and then the baseline. Two Dimitrov errors then see Fery get back level at 30-30 before a good first serve brings up game point for the Briton. Fery then loses his footing as Dimitrov moves the score to deuce. Fery comes out on top after a drawn out baseline exchange and the Briton holds.  Over to Dimitrov to serve out the set after the sitdown. 6:22PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 3-5 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Following Fery’s love hold in the previous game, Dimitrov delivers one of his own, closing out the game with an 11th ace.  The Bulgarian is a game away from securing this third set. 6:19PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 3-4 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery races to 40-0 lead before closing out the game after seeing a Dimitrov forehand return sail long. A hold like that should give the Briton confidence for the rest of this set and going in to the fourth. 6:17PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 2-4 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov holds to 15 to maintain his lead in close in on this third set. 6:16PM Bread-and-butter shots key Link copied to clipboard More resilience there from Fery to stop the rot, after a chastening series of games. Plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd as Dimitrov produced some magical little tricks and feints but this match will be won by the bread-and-butter shots: serves and forehand drives. 6:13PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 2-3 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery loses the opening point on serve before finding a forehand winner to move to 15-15. At deuce, Dimitrov finds a forehand pass on the run to move to advantage. Fery saves break point after drawing an error from Dimitrov on the backhand wing. The Briton then gets to advantage as Dimitrov nets a backhand return. Dimitrov digs out a forehand volley-pass and then gets another break-point look but is unable to take it as he nets a backhand slice. A good T-serve gets Fery to advantage and the Briton holds as Dimitrov goes long with a return. 6:05PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 1-3 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov quickly closes out the game to love to move 3-1 ahead. 6:01PM *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 1-2 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard After trading the opening couple of points, Fery gets to 40-15 before eventually holding to get on the board for the first time in this third set. 5:58PM Fery 7-5, 3-6, 0-2 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard The Bulgarian, looking to consolidate, moves 15-0 ahead before delivering a double fault for 15-15. Fery then gets to 15-30 and then 15-40 after Dimitrov goes long with a forehand volley.  Ace out wide saves the first break point for Dimitrov who follows up with a good serve plus-one to move to deuce. Dimitrov gets to advantage with a nice forehand volley put-away... and the Bulgarian consolidates. 5:53PM Third set: *Fery 7-5, 3-6, 0-1 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard After going off court at the end of the second set, Fery, serving first in set three, quickly falls 0-40 behind. Dimitrov pounces, securing the break on his first opportunity. 5:47PM Tit for tat Link copied to clipboard Tit for tat here. Dimitrov’s level dropped at the end of the first set, after he had been on top, and now Fery has just played a really poor five minutes to give the second away, just when he had seemed to be ticking along nicely. Again, that’s not meant to be especially critical. Everybody has their lapses in a five-set match, even Novak Djokovic. The remarkable thing, really, is how consistently well Fery has played throughout this Wimbledon when little in his record would have predicted such an impressive run. 5:42PM Dimitrov wins the second set 6-3 Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov, serving for the second set, wins the opening point. A good return from Fery causes Dimitrov to go long with a forehand.  The Bulgarian then races to a 40-15 lead and closes out the game and the set as Fery goes long with a forehand return. 5:39PM *Fery 7-5, 3-5 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery falls 0-15 behind before getting to 15-15 after drawing an error from Dimitrov. Fery wins the next point before seeing Dimitrov rip a backhand-cross for a clean winner. 30-30. Dimitrov then goes long with a backhand slice to give Fery game point... the Briton nets a backhand from the baseline for deuce. Fery then sprays a backhand wide and then goes long with another to hand Dimitrov the break. 5:34PM Henman Hill packed for Fery Link copied to clipboard There isn’t a blade of grass free on Henman Hill at the moment, where hundreds have gathered to watch Fery on the big screen. Most are braving the direct sun while others at the back have got lucky with a spot of shade. Don’t think it’s hit home among the sunbathers yet that Fery is a set up. 5:33PM Fery 7-5, 3-4 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov throws in his best service game in a while, holding to 15. The Bulgarian closed out the game with a seventh ace. 5:31PM *Fery 7-5, 3-3 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery races to a 30-0 lead before a Dimitrov forehand winner moves to the score to 30-15.  The Briton holds to 15 to stay on serve. 5:28PM Fery frustrating Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery’s ability to hold serve is frustrating Dimitrov, who had his first break points in the second game of this set but couldn’t capitalise. It’s hot on Centre Court and Dimitrov went five sets in his last match. As time goes on, the age difference could potentially give Fery a boost. 5:27PM Fery 7-5, 2-3 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov starts with an ace – his sixth of the contest. A forehand winner sees the Bulgarian move 30-0 ahead before a Fery backhand error gets Dimitrov to 40-0.  The Briton then gets on the board after a forehand winner on return and wins the next point after, but Dimitrov eventually holds to 30. 5:23PM *Fery 7-5, 2-2 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov finishes the opening point with a forehand volley to move 0-15 ahead. Fery then gets to 15-15 after a Dimitrov backhand sails long. Fery quickly gets to 40-15 after drawing two errors from Dimitrov. The Briton holds to 15 after closing out the game with a forehand winner down the line. 5:19PM Fery 7-5, 1-2 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov, looking in control at 40-30, nets a forehand volley as Fery gets to deuce. The Bulgarian then delivers his fifth ace of the contest before closing out the game with a backhand-slice volley winner. 5:16PM *Fery 7-5, 1-1 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery quickly gets to 40-15 before Dimitrov fights his way to deuce.  The Briton then steadies himself, winning the next two points to secure his opening service game in set two. 5:10PM Second set: Fery 7-5, 0-1 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov registers a hold to 15 to get things started in the second set. 5:09PM Fery continues to show ‘astonishing sang-froid’ Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov’s level started so high and then dropped dramatically at the end of that set. Fery, meanwhile, continues to show astonishing sang-froid despite being a total novice at this level of tennis. 5:07PM Fery wins the first set 7-5 Link copied to clipboard Fery, serving for the first set, falls 0-15 behind before drawing an error from Dimitrov on the backhand wing. The Briton then races to 40-15 before Dimitrov gets to 40-30 after finishing a point at the net. Fery then delivers a great first serve which is unreturned by Dimitrov and the Briton closes out the first set. 5:02PM Fery 6-5 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov falls 0-30 behind after some good defensive hitting gives Fery a look. The Briton then comes out on top of an extended baseline rally to move 0-40 ahead. And Fery breaks at the first time of asking after a brilliant return lands on Dimitrov’s shoelaces on the baseline. That was a ridiculously good return game from Fery. If he takes this set, it will be a serious burgle against the run of play. 4:59PM *Fery 5-5 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery, more than holding his own as the match clock hits 34 minutes, holds to 30. 4:58PM Federer in the Royal Box Link copied to clipboard It took Fery 27 minutes to win a point on the Dimitrov serve. Which is not meant to be a criticism, particularly. As befits the man once nicknamed “Baby Fed”, Dimitrov is serving like Roger Federer. By coincidence, Federer himself is in the Royal Box today, along with agent Tony Godsick. Roger Federer watches on from the Royal Box Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo 4:55PM Fery 4-5 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point on the Dimitrov serve before shanking a backhand return to go 15-15. Fery is then rewarded for coming in as Dimitrove nets a backhand. A good first delivery causes Fery to land his return in the tramlines before going long on next one. Dimitrov holds to 30 after a good baseline exchange. 4:51PM *Fery 4-4 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard A couple of errors on either wing from Dimitrov sees Fery race to 30-0 lead before the Briton gets to 40-0 as Dimitrov forehand lands out. The Bulgarian then gets on the board after a good approach is finished at the net with a forehand volley. Fery then chucks in a forehand error and then nets a backhand approach as the score moves to deuce. Dimitrov nets a return and Fery wins the next point as Dimitrov nets a backhand from the baseline. Good hold from the Briton. 4:46PM Fery 3-4 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard The Bulgarian throws in another faultless service game and holds to love to stay ahead in this opening set. 4:45PM *Fery 3-3 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery maintains his level and keeps up with the Bulgarian on serve holding to 15. 4:43PM Dimitrov playing near perfect Link copied to clipboard To say that Dimitrov is on top of his game would be an understatement. The Tennis Insights metric is giving him 9.26 out of 10 so far – the highest figure I’ve seen all tournament. And the running forehand onto the baseline he hit in Fery’s last service game is the best shot I’ve seen all fortnight. In the circumstances, Fery doing brilliantly to still be on serve. Grigor Dimitrov plays a forehand on the run Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images 4:39PM Fery 2-3 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov goes 15-0 after putting away a forehand volley. The Bulgarian then draws an error from Fery to move 30-0 ahead before delivering an ace for 40-0. A good T-serve is then returned out by Fery and Dimitrov holds. 4:37PM *Fery 2-2 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Fery wins the opening point before Dimitrov comes up with two wicked forehands to move 15-30 ahead.  Fery then goes back behind the Bulgarian on the backhand wing to draw level at 30-30. An ace from the Briton brings up game point... and he calmly closes out the game with winner down the line. 4:34PM Fery scare... Link copied to clipboard There was a concern that Fery might already be suffering from one of his nosebleeds when he paused play before the second game ... but happily it just turned out that he was sending for towels. 4:33PM Fery 1-2 Dimitrov* Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov, pounding the ball from the back of the court, races to 30-0 lead. A good first serve out wide is returned out by Fery before Dimitrov throws down a 131mph ace to close out the game. 4:30PM *Fery 1-1 Dimitrov Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov goes wide with a forehand as Fery registers his first point on serve. A Dimitrov return then lands on the Briton’s baseline causing Fery to shank the returning ball. Dimitrov then nets a backhand slice before throwing in another error on the same way wing. Fery holds to 15. 4:26PM First set: Arthur Fery 0-1 Grigor Dimitrov* (*denotes server) Link copied to clipboard Dimitrov starts with an unreturned first serve. The Bulgarian then moves 30-0 ahead before eventually closing out the opening game to love. 4:19PM Players on court Link copied to clipboard Arthur Fery and Grigor Dimitrov are on Centre Court and warming up. Fery won the toss and has elected to receive. 4:08PM Paolini takes down Eala Link copied to clipboard Jasmine Paolini is through to her second Wimbledon quarter-final after taking out Alexandra Eala in three sets. Paolini, the 2024 runner-up, will take on Marta Kostyuk next. Jasmine Paolini plays a forehand en route to beating Alexandra Eala in the fourth round Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images 3:57PM Battle of the wild cards Link copied to clipboard Good afternoon and welcome to fourth-round coverage of Arthur Fery versus Grigor Dimitrov on day eight at Wimbledon. This is a clash between two wild cards, as Fery, the last Briton standing, goes up against the  former world No 3 and 2014 semi-finalist. Fery’s run to his maiden grand slam fourth round has been somewhat of a fairytale. The 23-year-old, who entered the tournament ranked 114 in the world, is inside the top 100 in the live rankings (91) after registering four-set victories against Damir Dzumhur and Otto Virtanen in rounds one and two respectively.  The epic five-set victory against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, the Eastbourne champion, in the third round on Saturday was the biggest win of Fery’s life. Fery came back from a set down to win 2-6, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6, 7-6 in four hours and 39 minutes on Court 18.  The court assignment for the meeting with Bergs raised eyebrows, but as Fery’s two previous wins came on the atmospheric stadium, the call made sense and ultimately paid off. Centre Court now awaits for the Briton who said “it’s time to move on” after his epic victory on Saturday. “I will keep those great memories of Court 18,” said Fery. “Playing on a bigger court will be a new experience. Now that I’ve had a few matches I feel ready for it.” Dimitrov was also involved in a five-set epic of his own in the third round. The 35-year-old Bulgarian was up two sets against 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini before eventually closing out the match 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3. Dimitrov needed four sets to take down the 15th-seeded talented Czech Jakub Mensik in the second round and beat Australia’s Dane Sweeny in straights in round one. On the prospect of facing Fery, Dimitrov said: I have seen him play. He’s a great competitor. He’s playing at home. I mean, second week, Wimbledon, big court. I can totally get it [smiling]. No, I’m going to approach this match as every other match. Nothing has changed on my side. “I’m just really going to focus on my side of the net and what I want to be doing out there and achieving on the court. Try to find a way around that match. You know, that’s going to be for me, as I said, I have seen him play. He’s a great player. Yeah, I’m sure we are both going to be ready for that match.”