Britain’s Arthur Fery stunned Flavio Cobolli in straight sets to continue his remarkable wildcard run and reach the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Feeding off a lively Center Court crowd, Fery produced another superb performance in sweltering conditions to win 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-0 to become only the fifth British player to make the last four of the men’s singles in the Open era, after Andy Murray, Tim Henman, Cameron Norrie and Roger Taylor.
The 23-year-old will next face Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who beat USA’s Taylor Fritz in straight sets, with Jannik Sinner facing Novak Djokovic in the other semi-final on Friday.
“It seems to get better and better every match. I can’t believe it. It’s unbelievable to play on Center Court for my second time, second win,” Fery said.
“I played Flavio earlier this year and beat him in Australia so I knew I could do it. It gave me a boost of confidence. Continued, very nervous beforehand but kept going until the finish line.
“The last game I felt emotions that I’ve never felt before in my life. It’s incredible to share it with those guys [as he looks to his corner]. It makes me so happy.”
How Fery swept Cobolli aside
Fery showed no signs of nerves or of feeling the effects of two five-set matches as he pushed Cobolli back in baseline rallies and comfortably held serve throughout the first set.
Cobolli had the first break point chance in the seventh game but was unable to take it and instead Fery broke the Italian in the 10th game to grab the opening set.
Cobolli came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second set to break Fery, but the Brit broke back to make it 2-2 as he regained his rhythm.
Fery was not fazed by the warm conditions
Neither player was able to generate a further break-point chance, so a decisive tie-break was required – and Fery came out on top, with some aggressive shots and an early mini-break proving decisive.
Cobolli looked stunned physically and mentally and Fery took full advantage by breaking his opponent at the start of the third set and then saving crucial break points in the second game.
He consolidated it with a double break, with Cobolli showing his frustration with the home support and playing with increasing freedom en route to a set bagel and an incredible win.
More to follow…