Wimbledon dream over for Arthur Fery after straight-sets defeat by Alexander Zverev

Wimbledon dream over for Arthur Fery after straight-sets defeat by Alexander Zverev Last updated 10 July 2026 5:11pm 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 run to the semi-finals was the furthest a wild card had progressed since Goran Ivanisevic Credit: Eddie Mulholland/Telegraph Simon Briggs Tennis Correspondent and Senior Feature Writer. Uche Amako (live updates), at Wimbledon Last updated 10 July 2026 5:11pm 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 Wimbledon will go down as a great tale of derring-do. A tennis miracle, even. But it will not make him a major finalist. Going into Friday’s semi-finals, it was only the context – Fery’s five successive victories over higher-ranked players – that had left us wondering whether lightning could strike again on Centre Court in this semi-final against third seed Alexander Zverev. By eliminating former world No 3 Grigor Dimitrov and ninth seed Flavio Cobolli in back-to-back matches, Fery had created a parallel universe in which up was down and a wild card ranked No 114 could chat with the Queen in the Wimbledon clubhouse. But there was an element of unreality to it all. As Boris Becker wrote in his Telegraph column, “I just hope [Fery] doesn’t wake up and realise that he is flying 40 feet above the ground. This is no time to crash to earth!” Well, Fery did wake up. And so did we, as Zverev ruthlessly went through the gears to deliver a 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory and end the sense of joyous carnival for the British fans at Wimbledon. The match wasn’t a total dud. The first set held plenty of tension, especially when Fery fought back from an early break to break the mighty Zverev serve in return. How about this from Arthur Fery 😮‍💨 The crowd enjoyed that one! 😍 pic.twitter.com/9igt8bqxHa — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026 When Zverev pushed a forehand long on break point down, the noise was as ear-splitting as anything I have heard on Centre Court, up there with the excitement that Heather Watson provoked when she pushed Serena Williams close in 2015, or indeed with the celebrations that had greeted Fery’s victory over Cobolli on Wednesday. Those cheers were so loud that they halted play on No 1 Court: an unprecedented situation in the experience of Wimbledon’s long-serving master of ceremonies Dan Bloxham. Could those happy vibes feed into the action on the court? Given the manifest inequality in firepower, Fery needed Zverev to get tight down the final stretch of that first set, just as his previous opponents had all felt the stress of being challenged by an underdog. But Zverev has been a rock, psychologically speaking, throughout this year’s Wimbledon. He is a man reborn since his long-awaited triumph at last month’s French Open: the tournament that ended his hold on the “best player never to win a slam” tag. Alexander Zverev had too much power for Fery Credit: Tolga Akmen/Shutterstock Serving at 5-6, Zverev banged down two aces with his siege-gun of a serve, then powered a forehand on to the baseline. As we moved into the tie-break – an area where Fery had previously prospered by winning all five tie-breaks he had played at Wimbledon – this game sent a powerful message: “I’m not going anywhere.” Zverev’s act of sportsmanship almost felt condescendingCould Fery conjure another piece of magic? When his turn came to serve in the tie-break, he hit a double-fault. And then, on the next point, he went for a bold attempt to surprise Zverev with a big cross-court forehand. It was an especially brave decision because his forehand, so sturdy against Cobolli, had been shaky all match. Sure enough, the ball crept a couple of inches wide. Just like that, the spell was broken. The wizard of Wimbledon 2026 had been exposed as a mere mortal. Zverev swept through the tie-break without losing a point, and then began toying with Fery in a manner that any cat owner would recognise. When Zverev warmly applauded a rare Fery winner, deep in the third set of this beat-down, it was meant as a sporting gesture – but the gulf between the two players made it feel condescending. Some may point to an error by a ball boy as a crucial moment, given that it came at 1-1 in the second set, with Fery serving at 0-30. Zverev miscued a return so that it lobbed gently over the net, and the ball boy instinctively stood up to grab it, thus forcing the chair umpire to call a let and costing Fery a point he would probably have won. From there, Fery went on to lose the next seven points to give up a 3-1 lead in the set and effectively surrender any real chance in the match. But did it really make an impact in the big picture? Highly unlikely. Zverev was simply too smooth. After claiming the final point, Zverev went to stand with Fery at the net, congratulating him on his extraordinary run and giving off father-and-son vibes, such is the foot-sized difference in their relative stature. It's a straight sets victory for Alexander Zverev ✅ Arthur Fery leaves Centre Court to a standing ovation 👏 pic.twitter.com/7uiPD3SBv6 — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026 Fery made for the exit as quickly as humanly possible, but this has been a huge fortnight for him. With his 24th birthday to come on Sunday, he has climbed 78 places on the rankings ladder to the giddy heights of No 36. What a tonic for British tennis, after a year in which the two mainstays of our game – Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu – have struggled to take to the match court. “He is going to be a senior citizen on our tour,” said Zverev, in an amusing piece of phrasing, before adding that Fery has 15 years of great Wimbledon performances ahead of him. Time will tell on that front. But we will always have the summer of 2026. Latest updates Simon Briggs Tennis Correspondent and Senior Feature Writer. Uche Amako (live updates), at Wimbledon 4:58PM Meet the new British No 1 Link copied to clipboard Fery had a Wimbledon to remember Credit: Toby Melville/Reuters 4:44PM What is next for Fery? Link copied to clipboard A long break presumably but Fery’s run means he can go direct into any tournament for the foreseeable future. No need for a wild card or qualifying. His grand slam will be the US Open in late August. But we can expect him to play in the Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati.  4:33PM Rusedski reacts Link copied to clipboard “Zverev was very nonchalant about that [reaching Wimbledon final]. I thought the first set there was close, we were wondering what was going to happen, and then he just put the hammer down in that second set. But he was just making out like it was no big deal, like ‘I’m back in a final where I’m supposed to be’. “He is playing well enough to win this tournament. We haven’t seen Sinner’s best yet, Djokovic we don’t know how he has recovered. He must be licking his lips, and he is trying to get the crowd on his side too. “Brilliant to see what confidence, belief and sticking at something can do for you. He was just by far the better player today.” 4:27PM Henman reacts Link copied to clipboard The handshake summed up the match; you could just see the height advantage that Alexander Zverev had. Zverev is congratulated by Fery Credit: Tolga Akmen/Shutterstock 4:19PM Zverev hails Fery Link copied to clipboard “I have to give credit to Arthur. Unbelievable player, he’s going to be a senior citizen on our tour because I think he is going to play on this tour for 15 plus years. I think this was just the beginning of his career. “I really think he is going to do amazing things in this sport. I know that 99.99 per cent of the stadium wanted Arthur to win but it was still such an incredible atmosphere with such a fair crowd, I enjoyed every second of it. A lot of stadiums in the world can learn from this crowd. It’s one of the best crowds to play tennis in front of.” 4:10PM Zverev reacts Link copied to clipboard “It’s amazing. This Grand Slam has always been the one that I have struggled with most and all of a sudden I am in the final of Wimbledon so I am incredibly happy, proud as well of the team and everyone who was involved. We have one more match to go on Sunday, and that’s what the focus is on.” 4:03PM Zverev has dropped just two sets on his way to the final Link copied to clipboard Zverev has now reached all four grand slam finals and is aiming to go back-to-back to win his first and second slams. He will be very difficult to beat on Sunday! Zverev is through to his first Wimbledon final Credit: Adam Davy/PA 3:58PM British wild card’s dream run is over Link copied to clipboard It was a tough afternoon for Fery Credit: Mike Egerton/PA 3:53PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 4-6 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Opening point goes to Fery when Zverev hits a forehand long. On the full stretch, Fery can’t control his backhand and it flies long, 15-15.  Zverev finds the sideline with a fizzing forehand winner, 30-15. Too good. Zverev volley winner brings up two match points.  “For England” someone shouts. One last Fery forehand long. GAME SET MATCH ZVEREV!!! 3:49PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 4-5 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Better from Fery as he gets to 30-0. And then 40-15 with an ace down the T. Another ace, this one his biggest of the match at 124mph and Fery holds to make Zverev serve for the match. 3:47PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 3-5 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Zverev is in no mood to give Fery any momentum, completing his latest service hold to love. He has been unplayable on serve. Zverev has been too strong Credit: Adam Davy/PA 3:44PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 3-4 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Third service game in a row which Fery finds himself in trouble as Zverev gets three break points. Fery saves the first with a rare ace. Then, the second when Zverev hits a forehand long. Great rally from the two men, Zverev should win it but he fails to put away the volley and Fery flicks a forehand into the open court, deuce. Great recovery. Back-to-back aces from Fery and he completes a brilliant comeback. The fans loved that. Well played, young man!   3:39PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 2-4 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard No let up from Zverev as he strolls to 30-0 and then 40-0 when Fery slices a defensive forehand into the net. One more forehand winner past Fery and Zverev consolidates the break. Stop for Virgil van Dijk in a white suit 😎 Stay for Sherlock and Dr Watson enjoying a day out together ❤️#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/khmioGWxxU — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026 3:35PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 2-3 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Fery is in trouble again at 0-30 but this time Zverev gets to three break points when he drills a backhand down the line, which is too hot for Fery at the net. Zverev steps inside the baseline and whips his second forehand winner into the corner for a winner and the break of serve. 3:32PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 2-2 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Zverev has been crashing down 130mph+ serves all match. The step up in class, power and technique has been overwhelming at times. 3:27PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 2-1 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Fery slips to 0-30. The end is nigh if Zverev breaks here. Fery does well to recover to 30-30. But the game moves to deuce when Fery’s wild backhand flies wide. Fery survives again to hold. Zverev stretches for a backhand Credit: Marko Djurica/Reuters 3:23PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 1-1 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Another Zverev service game where Fery has failed to lay a glove on him. Must be demoralising to see the ball fizzing past you so often. 3:20PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 2-6, 1-0 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Fery left the court for a comfort break after the second set. What must be going through his mind? Does he still believe he can recover? On the evidence of this game, the answer is yes. Good energy and body language from him as he holds to 30. Can Fery give the spectators on The Hill something to get excited by? Credit: Andrew Couldridge/Reuters 3:11PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 2-6 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Easy as you like from Zverev as he cruises to 40-0. Groans from the crowd at the inevitable. One more big first serve, this one 134mph, and Zverev takes a two-set lead. I can’t see Fery coming back from this sadly. But I am very open to being proven wrong. 3:10PM Zverev is now crunching Fery Link copied to clipboard After getting crushed in that first set tie-break and given the manner in which Zverev is now crunching Fery with his forehand, the mood inside Centre Court has fallen flat. I thought Fery would try and gee up the crowd a bit more and get under Zverev’s skin - Cobolli was really rattled by the home support in his last match.  The extra energy he’s expended moaning to the umpire about the net technology - which he has done on three separate occasions, probably hasn’t helped either. You feel it’s only a matter of time before the German has the finish line in his sights.    3:07PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 2-5 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Fery will be desperate to get at least one more game before the third set. The energy from the crowd has gone. Fery hasn’t given them much to go wild for in this set. Fery double fault makes it 30-30. Fery forehand winner into the corner, 40-30. Zverev shows good anticipation to read Fery’s forehand and put away the volley, deuce. Rare backhand winner from Fery and he holds.  3:00PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 1-5 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Delicate lob over Fery’s head by Zverev is a winner, 15-0. You could see it coming as Fery rushed the net. Zverev responds to a double fault with a 132mph ace, 40-15. And he holds again with another unreturned serve. Zverev has been blasting winners off his forehand Credit: John Walton/PA 2:56PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 1-4 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Brilliant from Zverev to chase down a Fery drop volley and lift a forehand down the line for a winner, 15-40. That shot by Fery would have beaten most players. Not Zverev though. Fery saves the first break point. But not the second as he mis-hits a forehand long. Zverev gets the double break. 2:54PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 1-3 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard This was always going to be difficult because Zverev doesn’t have the weaknesses Fery’s previous opponents had. Such easy and consistent power from Zverev and he holds to love again. 2:50PM The gulf in class is now showing Link copied to clipboard Some brutal forehands in that game from Zverev and the gulf in class is now showing. Fery’s forehand needed to show up today and it is scoring a lowly 5.8 out of ten. 2:49PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 1-2 Zverev Link copied to clipboard At 0-30, Fery looks to put away a volley but a ball boy moves for the ball and causes a let. When the point is replayed, Zverev hammers a forehand return winner. Very unlucky for the Briton. Three break points. Weary backhand into the net from Fery and Zverev gets the break. Uphill task now for Fery because Zverev is cruising at the moment. 2:46PM Fery 6-7 (0-7), 1-1 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Another routine service hold for Zverev. Fery hasn’t made an impact on his service games recently. 2:44PM Fery gave a great account of himself Link copied to clipboard Fery gave a great account of himself in that first set against the French Open champion and then his game evaporated in the blink of an eye in that one-sided tie-break. For someone who is so focused on the pressure points, this second set will be a huge test of his mental resilience.  Worth remembering the Briton lost the first set in each of his first three matches at this year’s Wimbledon and trailed Grigor Dimitrov by two sets to one in the fourth round.  2:41PM Fery* 6-7 (0-7), 1-0 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Losing that set would have been tough for Fery. He did so much right. But a tie-break usually highlights the more consistent player and Zverev really stepped it up there.  Fery has made a series of comebacks in this tournament but I can’t see him coming back from two sets down so this is a must-win set for him. He makes an ideal start with a good hold. 2:38PM Frst signs of mortality from Fery Link copied to clipboard It was the first tie-break Fery has lost at Wimbledon this year, after claiming the previous five. It was the first signs of mortality from Fery as his level fell through the floor in the tie-break  2:34PM Fery 6-7 (0-7) Zverev - TIE-BREAK Link copied to clipboard Zverev forehand return winner, 0-7. Wow, that was dominant from the German. A real statement.  2:33PM Fery 6-6 (0-6) Zverev - TIE-BREAK Link copied to clipboard Zverev starts with a 139mph first serve and a backhand winner, 0-1. Fery double fault, 0-2. Fery forehand into the tramlines, 0-3. Zverev volley is deep and too good for Fery, 0-4. Fery forehand return into the tramlines, 0-5. Zverev comes in on a short Fery ball and whips a forehand, which the Briton can’t get back, 0-6. 2:29PM Fery* 6-6 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Smart play by Fery to drag Zverev into the net with a drop shot then finish with a volley winner, 30-15. Zverev forehand into the net, 40-15. Mis-hit forehand return by Zverev and Fery holds. Tie-break time! Dustin Hoffman, Lisa Hoffman, James Righton, Keira Knightley and Richard E. Grant watch on Centre Court Credit: Adam Davy/PA 2:24PM Fery 5-6 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard 139mph first serve by Zverev is unsurprisingly too good for Fery. The second seed’s serve has been rock solid in recent games and he holds to love. Great stuff from Fery to ask the question in this first set. Zverev answered it well in that game at least: two aces, a service winner and a forehand onto the baseline. From a British perspective, we are probably relying on him getting a bit tight. 2:22PM Fery* 5-5 Zverev Link copied to clipboard A must-win game for Fery to keep this set going but he shows no sign of nerves as he strolls to 40-0. A double fault keeps Zverev alive in this game. Then the German ups the ante with a big forehand winner. The crowd senses the moment. Fery delivers a first serve and Zverev nets his return. Another game ticked off. Feel like Fery’s forehand, an absolute rock against Cobolli, has been a bit weedy so far. He has been trying to keep it low but has gone short a lot as a result. The backhand, though, is magnificent today. 2:19PM Fery has the engine of a Duracell bunny Link copied to clipboard He might not have Zverev’s wingspan but Arthur Fery has the engine of a Duracell bunny and the foot speed of a 100m sprinter. Both were showcased in that exhilarating fifth game, when he broke straight back against the German. That was barely minutes after Fery was visibly frustrated with umpire Marijana Veljovic about the net technology.  The big question is - how long can the British qualifier keep this up? He isn’t getting too many opportunities on Zverev’s serve at the moment, which has clocked speeds of 136 mph.  2:17PM Fery 4-5 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Deep return by Fery and Zverev shanks a forehand long, 15-15. The German responds with a wide-swinging 130 mph ace. Then a 122mph second serve, which is unreturned. And to finish a 133mph unreturned first serve. Powerful. The analytics have Zverev serve at 9.3 out of ten, but the Fery backhand is on 9.1. 2:14PM Fery* 4-4 Zverev Link copied to clipboard Biggest serve of the set from Fery as he fires down a 123mph first serve, which is too much for Zverev, 30-15. Lovely drop shot winner from Fery, 40-30. Zverev never moved for it. Another accurate first serve and Zverev’s return flies long. On we go, into the business end of the set. 2:10PM Fery 3-4 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Zverev gets back on track as he holds to 30 with a forehand winner. I must admit Fery’s start to the match has pleasantly surprised me. Poor Fery: he deserves so much better than having the lamest chant in sport delivered in his direction. Indeed anyone joining in “let’s go Arthur, let’s go” should be evicted from the court immediately.  2:08PM WATCH: Centre Court erupts after Fery wins point Link copied to clipboard How about this from Arthur Fery 😮‍💨 The crowd enjoyed that one! 😍 pic.twitter.com/9igt8bqxHa — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026 2:06PM The noise in here is truly extraordinary Link copied to clipboard The noise in here is truly extraordinary. Heather Watson v Serena Williams is my previous loudest match but this could beat it. Meanwhile, that was only the fifth time Zverev’s serve has been broken all tournament. 2:05PM Fery* 3-3 Zverev Link copied to clipboard There have been a few dubious net calls this year. Djokovic was not happy the other night as well. Anyway, an important moment for Fery as the game moves to 30-30. He gets ahead when Zverev’s defensive lob goes wide. The umpire warns the crowd not to make noise during rallies. The punters are getting excited! Short drop shot by Fery is not good enough and Zverev steps inside the baseline and whips a forehand winner into the corner, deuce. Back-to-back forehand errors by Zverev and Fery survives. Fery hits a forehand Credit: AP 1:59PM Fery 2-3 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard Long exchange between Fery and the umpire. The Briton seems to be unhappy with a call. But he is much happier as he gets to 15-40, showing outstanding speed to reach a Zverev drop shot and reply with one of his own which spins away from the German. The crowd erupts as it gives Fery two break points. AND HE BREAKS BACK!! Forehand long by Zverev and Fery hits back straight away. Great recovery. “The net. Everyone heard that. You can hear it from the back row over there.”  Zverev: “I honestly didn’t hear that.” Fery responded: “Pffft.” 1:55PM Fery* 1-3 Zverev Link copied to clipboard The crowd lifts the noise level as Fery slips to 15-30 but they are silenced when Zverev drills a forehand winner down the line, 15-40. Short return by Zverev, Fery steps in and nets a backhand. Zverev breaks. 1:53PM Fery 1-2 Zverev* Link copied to clipboard A few oooohs and ahhhs from the crowd as Zverev ups the power in this game. It is almost like they care for Fery’s wellbeing out there as he attempts to deal with it. The German enjoys a far more straightforward service game with a hold to 15. I keep waiting for the “reality check” moment where Fery is revealed as an imposter at this level. Perhaps it will happen today but this has been a decent start, and Zverev has looked nervous early on. I’ve got seven winners and six unforced errors from Zverev, with the winners mostly being aces and easy kills off short ball that stem from his enormous serve, and nothing in either category for Fery.  1:48PM Fery* 1-1 Zverev Link copied to clipboard No such problems for Fery in his opening service game as he holds to love. Early stage but this has been a very positive start. 1:47PM Zverev looked like an absolute giant next to Fery Link copied to clipboard When both players stood at the net for the ball toss, 6ft 6” Zverev looked like an absolute giant next to Fery, who, at 5 ft 9”, you can bet is one of the shorter players to reach a Wimbledon semi-final.  What he lacks in height, though, he certainly makes up for in other ways.  There is a big height difference between the players Credit: Marko Djurica/Reuters 1:45PM First Set: Arthur Fery 0-1 Alexander Zverev* (*denotes server) Link copied to clipboard 114mph second serve by Zverev is too hot for Fery on the opening point. That’s a big serve. Different level of power will be coming his way today. First point of the day for Fery when he puts a backhand low to Zverev’s feet and his drop volley lands in the net, 30-15. Zverev then goes for a 124mph second serve and misses, 30-30. Well hit drive forehand winner by Zverev, 40-30. First extended rally of the match goes Fery’s way when Zverev puts a backhand down the line long, deuce. The Briton looked comfortable in that exchange. A 133mph ace to seal the game for Zverev. A good start from Fery. 1:38PM Bold call by Fery Link copied to clipboard The Briton won the coin toss and opted to make Zverev serve first. Interesting decision... 1:34PM Showtime on Centre! Link copied to clipboard Huge ovation for Fery as he strides purposefully onto court. A little wave to the crowd and he carefully arranges his belongings at his chair. 1:29PM Here we go! Link copied to clipboard Semi-final preparations Alexander Zverev and Arthur Fery 🤝#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/rOkdFYSvMI — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2026 1:23PM Some big names in the Royal Box today Link copied to clipboard The Duchess of GloucesterPrince Michael of KentPat CashBenedict CumberbatchSir Christopher DeanTom FordMartin FreemanBrian LaraHugh LaurieDamian LewisSachin TendulkarLouis TherouxVirgil van DijkAnna Wintour 1:18PM Millions face missing Fery’s semi-final after schedule change Link copied to clipboard By Ben Rumsby and Tim Wigmore  Millions of viewers could miss Arthur Fery’s historic Wimbledon semi-final after it was scheduled first on Centre Court today. In a move that risks angering tennis fans, Fery’s showdown with Alexander Zverev has been brought forward to the earlier semi-final slot to avoid a clash with the broadcaster’s World Cup coverage. Many fans will still be at work or school when the match begins at 1.30pm, rather than the early-evening slot that many were expecting Fery to play in. Fery – the first British wild card to reach the last four of any grand slam in the open era – would ordinarily have expected to be scheduled second on Centre Court, following his quarter-final win over Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday, which was played out in front of the Queen. Fellow semi-finalists Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic played their own quarter-finals on Tuesday, giving them two full days off to Fery’s one, but their clash has been scheduled to follow that between the 23-year-old and Zverev. 1:10PM I know what Arthur Fery is going through, this is my message to him Link copied to clipboard By Boris Becker Arthur Fery has been a huge hit as Britain’s surprise feel-good story at this year’s Wimbledon. I have been so impressed with Fery’s poise throughout his five wins, and now, as he prepares to play Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, I just hope he doesn’t wake up and realise that he is flying 40ft above the ground. This is no time to crash to earth! If I were advising Fery, I’d tell him not to open the phone, not to answer any messages, and to stay off Instagram and the rest of the social media networks. He should keep himself completely in the dark. It’s probably a positive that he has only got one day between matches, rather than the two-day break that Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have enjoyed on the other side of the draw. Because, at this stage of a major, it’s all about keeping to your routines. I feel like I can empathise more than most with Fery because of my own experiences at Wimbledon in 1985. Admittedly, I was not quite as much of an outsider as he is today. But when I went to Melbourne the previous winter to play the Australian Open, I was just turning 17 and still ranked outside the world top 100. So for me to win Wimbledon that summer was a big story. Looking back, I’m glad that social media wasn’t a thing in those days. I was able to shut myself away and focus on my routine. Click here to read more from the former Wimbledon champion. 1:03PM Tennis nepo baby Arthur Fery is world’s fastest-rising talent Link copied to clipboard As Alexander Zverev bounced the ball in his service motion, just three points short of victory in his quarter-final against Taylor Fritz, he was forced to abort the process and pull away. Was it a bee? Or a pigeon flying overhead? No, Zverev was flustered because an enormous roar had just erupted to salute Arthur Fery’s improbable victory over ninth seed Flavio Cobolli on neighbouring Centre Court. Dan Bloxham, Wimbledon’s experienced master of ceremonies, told Telegraph Sport that he had never heard of such a thing happening before. The moment. The celebration. The noise. Arthur Fery is a Wimbledon semi-finalist. pic.twitter.com/ObXayNhdMD — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2026 This vignette captures the sheer romance and improbability of Fery’s rollicking run to the semi-finals. For British tennis fans who followed Emma Raducanu’s victory at the 2021 US Open, it feels like lightning striking the same place twice. But there is one obvious difference: Fery’s transformational journey, which has turned an unknown wild card ranked No 114 in the world into a major semi-finalist, has happened on home soil. In a country where tennis is not so much a sport as a fortnight, he could hardly have timed his run more perfectly. 12:52PM Not long to go! Link copied to clipboard Fery warmed up with his father Loic and grandfather Denis watching on Credit: Eddie Mulholland for the Telegraph 12:44PM England’s World Cup stars show their support for Arthur Link copied to clipboard Some special good luck messages for Arthur Fery ahead of his Wimbledon semi-final❤️ pic.twitter.com/3Q3Y4fabKY — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026 12:32PM Another Fery-tale at Wimbledon? Link copied to clipboard Good afternoon and welcome to coverage of the first Wimbledon men’s semi-final between Britain’s Arthur Fery and Alexander Zverev. After the opening round saw 15 British players crash out, I don’t think even Fery would have expected to still be in the tournament in the last four. But here he is. And he is three sets away from the final. He started the event as a wild card ranked 114th in the world and whatever happens today, he will end it as the British No 1. Facing Zverev will be his toughest test so far, but the 23-year-old says he is ready to rise to the occasion again. ‘Zverev is a step up again,” he said. “I’m ready for it. I have nothing to lose. I’m just going to go out there and just put my game on the court, do what I’ve done, believe in myself. We’ll see where that takes me.” Fery is only the second wild card to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals after Goran Ivanisevic, whose famous run to the title in 2001 came a year before Fery was born. He said: “I feel mentally tired, physically. That’s been the case for the past five days. That’s also something that’s really grown my confidence. I now feel like I can play even when I’m tired, even when I’m stressed. In any conditions, I feel confident in my game and I know that I can just go out there and compete.” Zverev, who is also enjoying his best Wimbledon and won the French Open last month, appears to have become a philosopher about tennis. He said: “I think people maybe overthink it. It’s just another tennis match. Of course, it’s a big match. It’s a Wimbledon final on the line. But, at the end of the day, I’ve learned that a tennis match is a tennis match. Nobody will die. Their lives will not be drastically changed. I’ll just try to play my best tennis. There’s nothing more to it.”