Wimbledon star dismisses Princess Kate and UK in tense BBC interview | Tennis | Sport
British Wimbledon star Arthur Fery shut down the BBC when asked if he was flying the flag for Britain as the first countryman to reach the third round. He was watched on by Princess Kate, on her first appearance at the Championship this year, and Tim Henman, but he did not notice that they were in attendance.
Fery, 23, had never reached the third round of a Grand Slam before today. But he fought back after losing the first set 7-5 to Finnish star Otto Virtanen, taking the next three sets to pandemonium on Court 18, where Princess Kate had ventured out to before joining the action on Centre Court.
But shortly after the match, Fery was asked about the Royal and said: “No I did not [know Princess Kate was there]. I probably would have been a bit more tight if I did. Lots of supporters obviously at home in the UK so it is fantastic to play in front of everyone. It boosts all the Brits.”
Fery also dismissed the idea that he was ‘playing for Britain’ considering the dismal opening few days the UK has endured at Wimbledon, with Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper pulling out before a host of first-round exits.
“It’s great to do it for the UK, but selfishly, I am doing it for myself first,” he added. “I am always behind the other Brits who are playing and I’m wishing the best to all the Brits.”
The interview grew even more tense when Fery was asked about if he had processed the magnitude of his efforts, replying: “No, obviously not. The match finished five minutes ago so definitely not. It is going to take some time and I am just going to try and recover the best as I can for my match in two days.”
He added: “It’s incredible emotions. It was such a tough match. After the first two sets I could see it really lasting a while the match. I am so happy with how I was able to keep my emotions in check and keep going. I am so happy to reach the third round.
“It’s just an accumulation of work and practices. I was playing well at the start of the year in Australia. The grass season I have been playing well and having good results. I feel really comfortable on the grass.”
Fery, the British men’s No. 3, reached the second round of Wimbledon last year and is hoping for a big run. He faces either Zizou Bergs or Jaime Faria next in a side of the draw that is wide open, with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in the opposite side.
