Arthur Fery has become only the second British wildcard to reach week two of Wimbledon with an epic five-set victory over Zizou Bergs. The 23-year-old Londoner fought back from the brink of defeat twice to claim a 2-6 7-5 2-6 7-6 (3) 7-6 (10/5) victory after four hours and 38 minutes on Court 18.
Fery's Grit and Determination
Ranked 114th in the world, Fery required treatment three times for persistent nosebleeds, a problem that has dogged him throughout the tournament. He was 4-1 down in both the fourth and fifth sets but showed unbelievable courage to turn the match around. This was the first five-set win of his career and comfortably the longest match of his life.
Fery is only the second British wildcard to reach the last 16 at a grand slam, following Andrew Foster here in 1993. His win ensures Great Britain retains an interest in the singles after a tough week for home players.
Next Opponent: Grigor Dimitrov
Fery now faces Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov, who won another dramatic five-set match against Italian Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3 on Centre Court. Fery expressed his desire to move to a bigger stadium, saying: "I think it's time to move on. I'll keep those great memories on 18 from today and Thursday for the rest of my life. I'm sure I'll play again on there at some point. We'll see what Monday holds for me."
Home Support and Nosebleed Issues
Fery enjoyed raucous support from home fans, particularly in the latter stages. He said: "Obviously, it's unbelievable to have support. It definitely helps me. Clearly at the end of the fifth, the crowd played a huge part in that. I was really, really grateful to have them behind me."
Fery, who is French by birth but moved to London as a baby and grew up minutes from the All England Club, has had nosebleeds in each of his three matches. He needed treatment after four games, again before the deciding set, and while leading 40-15 at 4-5. "I can't do much about it," said Fery. "There's times where it breaks my momentum. I can obviously understand it's frustrating for the opponent as well to constantly have to wait."
Bergs' Heartbreak
A distraught Bergs, who was looking to reach the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time, struggled to compose himself after the match. He said: "You feel you put yourself in many positions to be better, to win the match, and for some reason it doesn't want to fall on my side today and he was just playing better when it mattered." Bergs, ranked at a career-high 37 after winning his maiden title in Eastbourne last weekend, was a class above in the opening set but could not close out the match.
Fery's Milestone Victory
Reflecting on his achievement, Fery said: "A lot of first times today for me. I'm just so proud of how I handled everything. First (win in a) five-setter, longest match that I've ever played, first time breaking into the top 100, first second week in a slam, all at home, five minutes from where I grew up. It's a great story for me." He added: "I was just trying to back my fighting spirit and use that to my advantage and just try and base my whole game around that. Just keep going."
