07/06/26 03:52:00
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07/06 15:48 CDT Arthur Fery becomes 1st British wild card to reach Wimbledon
quarterfinals in professional era
Arthur Fery becomes 1st British wild card to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals in
professional era
LONDON (AP) --- Arthur Fery used to come to Wimbledon when he was a kid to
watch Roger Federer on Centre Court.
He grew up only five minutes away from the All England Club.
On Monday, the tables were turned when Federer was in attendance watching Fery
on the sport's most famous court as he became the first British wild card to
reach the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam in the professional era (since 1968).
Fery beat fellow wild Grigor Dimitrov --- a former top-five player --- 7-5,
3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7).
When it was over Fery, dropped his racket to the grass and held his hands up in
disbelief.
"We've got probably the greatest of all time watching in the front row over
there," Fery said, nodding in Federer's direction. "And now playing here in
front of all you guys, having the support and winning, it's unbelievable."
Fery's quarterfinal opponent will be Flavio Cobolli, who beat Alex de Minaur.
Fery beat Cobolli in straight sets in the first round of this year's Australian
Open after coming through qualifying.
"(In) Australia I was sick," Cobolli said. "Of course, Arthur is amazing
player, but that match I couldn't play."
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
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