GB's Fery fights off Bergs and nosebleeds to reach fourth round

New Delhi, India Jul 5, 2026 ALN: British wildcard Arthur Fery beat Zizou Bergs in a five-set thriller to reach the Wimbledon fourth round and keep home singles hopes alive - despite suffering three nosebleeds during the match.

Wildcard Fery recovered twice from falling a set and a break down to come through 2-6 7-5 2-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-5) in front of a packed crowd on court 18. This remarkable victory marks a significant milestone in Fery's burgeoning career, as he becomes the first male British wildcard to reach the Wimbledon fourth round since Andrew Foster in 1993.

Fery’s journey through the tournament has been nothing short of impressive. Starting outside the world's top 100, he has fought hard to establish himself as a formidable competitor on the grass courts of Wimbledon. His previous matches included victories over Bosnia's Damir Dzumhur and Finland's Otto Virtanen, showcasing his resilience and skill as he battled through to the third round. This performance is particularly noteworthy given the high level of competition at Wimbledon, one of the four prestigious Grand Slam tournaments in professional .

After a grueling four hours and 39 minutes on court, Fery could hardly contain his emotions. "No words for it, honestly," he expressed after the match, reflecting on the intensity of the experience. His celebration, which included throwing himself to the ground in joy, was a testament to the mental and physical toll the match had taken on him. "I don't know what is going on right now. It will take time to digest it," he added, indicating the overwhelming nature of his achievement.

The victory not only propels Fery into the fourth round but also guarantees him a significant financial reward. He is set to earn £300,000 in prize money, a substantial amount that could greatly impact his career and future endeavors in professional . Furthermore, this win will likely see him break into the world’s top 100 rankings for the first time, a crucial milestone for any aspiring professional player.

Returning to court 18, where he had previously triumphed against Virtanen, Fery faced a challenging start against Bergs. He fell behind early, suffering from a nosebleed that has become a recurring issue throughout the tournament. Fery received treatment on three separate occasions during the match, a situation that can be frustrating for players as it disrupts their momentum. The final nosebleed occurred as he was serving to stay in the match at 5-4 down in the deciding set, adding to the drama of the encounter.

Fery acknowledged the issue, stating, "It is a problem I am going to address. It has happened before but it's not that common. It happened at times today when I didn't want to stop, when momentum was with me. I know it is annoying for the opponent. It gives me some extra time to rest sometimes." Under Grand Slam rules, a player must receive treatment if they are bleeding, although they do not have to leave the court, which can sometimes work to their advantage.

In the early stages of the match, Bergs showcased his skills with a combination of powerful forehand winners and clever drop shots, quickly taking control and claiming the opening set. However, Fery's determination shone through as he fought back in the second set, capitalizing on a series of mistakes from the Belgian player. This shift in momentum was crucial, as it not only allowed Fery to level the match but also boosted his confidence as he continued to battle against the odds.

As the match progressed into the fourth set, Bergs regained his composure and surged ahead, winning six games in a row and establishing a 4-1 lead. Yet, with the support of a raucous crowd, Fery demonstrated remarkable tenacity, clawing his way back into the match and forcing a deciding fifth set. The atmosphere on court 18 was electric, with fans rallying behind the British wildcard and providing a palpable sense of encouragement.

Despite facing another setback as Bergs took a 4-1 lead in the final set, Fery's spirit remained unbroken. He launched one last fightback, ultimately forcing a tie-break. The crowd's unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward, and he sailed through the tie-break with confidence, sealing his place in the fourth round. "With that support, it is unbelievable. I requested to play on this court and the club made it happen which was awesome," Fery remarked, highlighting the importance of home support in his performance.

Looking ahead, Fery is set to face Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the next round. Dimitrov, a seasoned player with considerable experience on the ATP Tour, will present a formidable challenge for the young Brit. Fery's ability to maintain his composure and build on the momentum from his previous matches will be crucial as he prepares for this next encounter.

In addition to Fery's singles success, the mixed doubles competition also saw notable performances from British players. Joe Salisbury teamed up with Canadian Leylah Fernandez to eliminate fellow Briton Julian Cash and Dutch partner Demi Schuurs with a score of 7-6 (9-7) 6-4. Meanwhile, the accomplished British pair Neal Skupski and American Desirae Krawczyk, both two-time winners of the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon, staged a comeback to defeat British duo Billy Harris and Freya Christie 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.

However, not all British pairs found success in the mixed doubles. Jodie Burrage and David Stevenson were ousted by Italian top seeds Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, losing 6-4 6-1. Additionally, Ben Jones and Maia Lumsden emerged victorious in an all-British clash against Joshua Paris and Eden Silva, adding to the day's excitement.

In the women's doubles, Britain's Samantha Murray Sharan and Thailand's Lanlana Tararudee stepped in to replace the legendary Williams sisters following their withdrawal from the tournament. Unfortunately, they faced a tough match and were defeated 6-3 6-4 by the duo of Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra. The withdrawal of the Williams sisters, who have long been icons of the , has left a noticeable void in the tournament, prompting discussions about the future of women's and the new generation of players who are emerging on the scene.

As the tournament progresses, the spotlight remains on Fery and his remarkable journey through Wimbledon. His ability to overcome adversity, coupled with the support of the home crowd, has captured the attention of fans and commentators alike. The implications of his performance extend beyond just this tournament; it serves as an inspiring narrative for young athletes in Britain and around the world, showcasing the potential for success through hard work, determination, and resilience in the face of challenges.

As Wimbledon continues, all eyes will be on Fery as he aims to build upon his success and make a deeper run into the tournament. His story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of s and the joy that can come from unexpected victories, especially in a historic event like Wimbledon, where dreams can become reality on the grandest stage of .