Arthur Fery’s rise and tactical tennis at Wimbledon

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

Arthur Fery became the first British player since 2007 to advance beyond Wimbledon’s first round, choosing to compete on No. 18 Court instead of a show court to manage pressure and scheduling. His upcoming third-round match against higher-ranked Zizou Bergs will challenge Fery’s tactical versatility and resilience on grass, highlighting his rise despite physical disadvantages.

Arthur Fery secured a place on one of Wimbledon’s show courts after ensuring that a British player advanced beyond the first round for the first time since 2007, preventing a second-round wipeout for the host nation. The 23-year-old, however, requested to play on No. 18 Court, a familiar venue where he had previously performed well, rather than taking on the added pressure of a center-court appearance during the tournament’s opening week. An All England Club spokesperson noted that the decision also aligned with broader scheduling considerations.

Fery, who is currently ranked world No. 114, has shown resilience in overcoming setbacks in his career. A year ago, he was positioned at No. 461, struggling with bone bruising in his arm—a condition that sidelined fellow British player Jack Draper from Wimbledon. With Draper’s absence, Fery stepped into the spotlight and now faces a third-round match against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, ranked No. 37. Bergs recently claimed the biggest title of his career on grass at the Eastbourne tournament and is widely viewed as the favorite in their upcoming encounter.

At 5 feet 9 inches, Fery is shorter than the average male professional tennis player, who typically stands around 6 feet 2 inches. While he lacks the overpowering serve and explosive forehand that often define top players, he compensates with a versatile and tactical approach on court. Alex Ward, a coach with the Lawn Tennis Association and part of Fery’s support team, emphasized that Fery’s height requires him to excel in movement and all-around skills. “He has to be an exceptional mover, which he is, and in some ways a better tennis player,” Ward said. “From a young age, he’s developed an all-round game, capable of serving well, coming to the net, defending, attacking, and using variation.”

Fery’s forthcoming match against Bergs will test these attributes against a higher-ranked and in-form opponent. Success for Fery will likely depend on his ability to use variety effectively and capitalize on opportunities to approach the net, utilizing his touch and lower center of gravity on a grass surface that can favor such tactics.

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