Wimbledon: Arthur continues dream run, books semifinal clash with Zverev
London, July 9
23-year-old British star Arthur Fery continued his dream run at the ongoing Wimbledon, sealing the semifinal spot with a stunning win over Flavio Cobolli, becoming only the second wildcard to reach the semifinals of the prestigious tournament.
The world number 114 produced a sensational performance, outclassing his top-10-ranked opponent, Cobolli, 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-0 under the baking London sun and, in the process, also became the lowest-ranked men's singles semifinalist in Wimbledon since then-World No. 125 Goran Ivanisevic won the whole thing in 2001, as per ATP's official website.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Arthur said, "It just seems to be getting better and better every match. I just cannot believe it. Incredible, playing on Centre Court for the second time, a second win. I just cannot believe it."
Fery, who is just the fifth British player to seal a Wimbledon semifinal spot after Roger Taylor, Tim Henman, Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie, has a tough opponent in the form of French Open champion Alexander Zverev.
"I guess it is going to be a first time and we will figure it out as we go," Fery said about the clash with Zverev. "I am just going to keep going. I have been doing a great job over the past 10 days. I am just going to do the same thing and see where that takes me," he added.
Earlier, Zverev had outclassed sixth-seed American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
Having lost his previous seven matches to Fritz, the German secured a one-hour, 59-minute win to secure his first Wimbledon semifinal, becoming just the fifth from his country to reach the semifinals of Wimbledon in the Open Era.
He also became the fifth active man to reach the semi-finals at all four major tournaments -- joining Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
"I hope to play two more matches here," Zverev said afterwards, "But for now, I am extremely happy to be in the semi-finals, especially against Taylor, whom I had not beaten in more than two years. He has been beating me for two years straight. I played a fantastic match, and I am very happy to be in the semi-finals."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive stat: Zverev now the fifth active man to reach semis at all four majors. That's elite company with Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner. But can he break his Wimbledon curse? The semi-final has been his glass ceiling here.
Love watching these underdog stories! Fery beating a top-10 player from 114 in the world is insane. I'm rooting for him—imagine a British wildcard winning it all! 🇬🇧
Zverev's win over Fritz was long overdue—seven losses in a row is brutal. But his record in Wimbledon semis worries me. Hope he doesn't choke again. That said, Fery vs Zverev should be a cracker!
Tennis is truly unpredictable these days. One day you're 114th in the world, next day you're in a Wimbledon semi. Respect to Fery for keeping his cool on Centre Court. Zverev's experience might be too much though. Let's see! 🎾
Great to see new faces in the semis. But I can't help feeling Zverev is finally putting it together at the big stage after all his setbacks. Would love to see him vs Alcaraz in the final. That would be box office stuff!
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