Arthur Fery, take a bow.
Fery, who grew up in the Wimbledon area, collapsed onto the Centre Court grass on Wednesday afternoon after securing a 6-4, 7-6, 6-0 victory over Roland Garros finalist Flavio Cobolli.
The British youngster, 23, has become only the second wildcard in the history of the Wimbledon Men’s Singles event to reach the semi-finals [in the Open Era]
Do you believe Arthur Fery can win Wimbledon?
Fery will make his Wimbledon semi-final debut against second seed Alexander Zverev – who will also make his first appearance in the last four.
Fery has now been told how he can defeat the German star in their very first meeting.
Todd Woodbridge says Arthur Fery must take Alexander Zverev ‘out of his norm’
“I think the unknown factor,” Jamie Murray, the former doubles world number one, said while commentating for the BBC on Wednesday.
“He needs to use that to his advantage.
“Of course I am sure Sascha saw him play a bit this week but it’s different to facing him and seeing how the ball is coming off his racket and seeing the different problems that he possesses.
“It goes to show in men’s tennis these days that if you do have something that’s a bit different and away from the norm you can be a problem for a lot of players. He has shown that this week in how he has gone about his business.”
Wimbledon Men’s Singles semi-finals
- Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic
- Alexander Zverev vs Arthur Fery
Todd Woodbridge, widely considered to be the most successful male doubles player of all time with 23 major titles to his name, went on to explain how Fery can make life uncomfortable for Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
“You also have to take Zverev out of his norm,” the Australian said. “That means he is comfortable on the baseline and likes to take his time ripping into the rally.
“It’s not a bad idea to bring him into the net. He is good for one volley but not generally two. So you have to have your tactics in place and execute.
“The other thing with Zverev on this surface is that he can pass great off both wings, but he is deep in the court.
“Fery can sneak in. He is a great mover and he is going to have to utilise all the things he did very well today and keep it at that level.
“If he comes off that level, Sascha is going to give him a tough time.”
Zverev, the world number two, is looking to reach back-to-back Grand Slam finals for the first time in his career.
The German star, who won Roland Garros last month, defeated Taylor Fritz in straight sets to advance on Wednesday.
Who is now the best active ATP player without a Grand Slam title after Alexander Zverev’s French Open victory?
The first British man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in the Open Era
Roger Taylor, from Sheffield, became the first British man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in the Open Era when he navigated his way to the last four in 1970.
Taylor, seeded 16th, defeated Brian Fairlie, Jaidip Mukerjea, Charlie Pasarell, Rod Laver, and Clark Graebner en route to the semi-finals.
He was then defeated by Ken Rosewall, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6.
Tim Henman, Andy Murray, and Cameron Norrie have all also reached the penultimate Wimbledon round during the Open Era.
Before Fery’s victory on Wednesday, Cameron Norrie was the last Briton to accomplish this feat.
Norrie beat David Goffin and Tommy Paul on his way to the 2022 semi-finals, before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic
