Wimbledon: Arthur Fery’s fairytale made history as hometown hero joins Goran Ivanisevic in exclusive wild card club

Arthur Fery of Britain reacts to victory against Flavio Cobolli of Italy. (AP photo) Arthur Fery’s remarkable Wimbledon dream continued in sensational fashion on Wednesday as the British wild card became only the second men’s singles wild card in history to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals, a feat only matched by Goran Ivanisevic during his memorable 2001 victory.The 23-year-old, who grew up just five minutes from the All England Club, delighted Center Court by sweeping ninth seed Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-0 to keep alive one of the most unusual domestic stories the Championship has witnessed.Ranked 114th in the world and requiring wildcard entry to compete, Fery’s magical run quickly earned the nickname “Ferytale” as Britain suddenly found themselves with a genuine home contender deep into the second week.

Fery joins Ivanisevic in Wimbledon folklore

The only previous men’s wild card to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals was Goran Ivanisevic, whose fairytale culminated in lifting the trophy in 2001. Fery is now just two wins away from replicating one of the most famous underdog triumphs.“It’s getting better and better with every match,” said an emotional Fery after his victory. “I just can’t believe it.Supported by a deafening crowd in the center court and watched from the Royal Box by Queen Camilla, Fery delivered one of the cleanest performances of his career. He made just 15 unforced errors compared to Cobolli’s 41 and sealed the memorable victory with an ace before collapsing on his back in celebration.“In that last match I felt emotions that I have never experienced in my life,” he admitted.The victory came after another memorable performance on Center Court earlier in the week, when Roger Federer watched Fery beat Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set thriller.The royal support continued after the match as Queen Camilla congratulated the British star, while Princess Kate also praised his “fantastic achievement” on social media.Fery, who will turn 24 on the day of the men’s final, even hinted at a dream ending.“I told her it’s my birthday on Sunday so it would be great to play the Wimbledon final on my birthday,” he revealed after speaking to Queen Camilla.Standing in his way is second-seeded Alexander Zverev, who admitted that a scary atmosphere awaits him.“I know 99% of the people will be rooting for him,” Zverev said. “But I also enjoy that kind of atmosphere.

More Wimbledon semi-finalists confirmed

Zverev booked a Wimbledon semi-final with a commanding 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Taylor Fritz and will face Fery on Friday. The other men’s semi-final will feature seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic against defending champion Jannik Sinner.In the women’s draw, Marta Kostyuk advanced to her first Wimbledon semi-final after beating Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-2. She will face Czech youngster Linda Nosková, who defeated Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-5 to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final.In the second women’s semi-final, top candidate Coco Gauff will face Karolína Muchová for a place in Saturday’s championship match.