Arthur Fery has undeniably been the standout story of this year’s Wimbledon Championships, even if his fairytale run was cruelly cut short yesterday afternoon.
In the end, it always felt like there would be an expiry date on this most unlikely success story. Alexander Zverev was the man to deal that killer blow.
However, regardless of how tough this defeat will have been for the new British number one, it will soon become apparent just how important this run will be for his career.
No longer will he have to scrap on the Challenger Tour or fight for entry into top tournaments through qualification. Direct entry is now almost guaranteed for at least a year.
And yet, despite the joy and wonder his performance at Wimbledon has provided, there are still some who seek to tear him down.
Liam Broady points out the huge advantage Arthur Fery has benefited from
As his notoriety grew with each new win, more about Arthur Fery’s life and career was uncovered.
It took no time at all for the media to share that he is the son of a billionaire, a former financial investor and current president of FC Lorient.
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This has led many to try and detract from his run, arguing that the financial backing he will have received almost devalues his achievements.
Liam Broady did jump to his defence, but also admitted that Fery has been afforded a privilege that few others can experience.
He wrote on X: “I wouldn’t say Arthur is necessarily a nepo baby. His dad was always very tough with him and insistent her earns everything himself. BUT in elite sport access to top level coaching from the offset where others don’t have access is a huge advantage.”
Broady also engaged in a debate with another commenter, who had written: “Many people are making the same tedious point. Not beyond the obviously banal statement that advantages are advantageous.”
He replied: “And why has he tweeted to say that the advantages aren’t advantages then been surprised when many people pointing out they are advantages are now “tedious”.”
Zverev had nothing but praise for Fery after their match, even making a positive prediction for his future. Regardless of his upbringing, he has had to work to earn his place among the sport’s elite.
Arthur Fery still has hard work and talent despite his ‘advantage’
It is the laziest argument in the world to suggest that a professional tennis player has gotten to where they are purely because of money.
In the end, with all the barriers to entry that this sport has, everyone has had to spend a small fortune to get where they are.
That does not detract from the immense amount of hard work and talent needed to put that elite-level training to good use.
Fery is a prime example of this. Money cannot buy the quality and work ethic needed to actually shine at the top level, and if anything, it just further proves his devotion to the sport.
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He went into the American college system for three years, where if he was not good enough, he would have been chewed up and spat out regardless of his background.
Jessica Pegula is another example of a player who is routinely questioned about her family’s wealth when, in all honesty, who cares?
