Wimbledon 2026 Men’s Day 10

Arthur Fery extended his British tennis dream on Wednesday as the local hero reached the Wimbledon semi-finals as he dispatched Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-0, sealing victory with an ace.

Simultaneously on Court No. 1, second seed Alexander Zverev was doing much the same as he rolled Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, also wrapping up with an ace after two hours in a pair of matches which finished at exactly the same time.

Fery, son of French parents who was born in Paris, carries the hopes of the host nation into the Friday semi-finals, against reigning Roland Garros champion Zverev, with both men playing their first semis here…

No. 114 Fery is already setting records as he progresses at what is literally his home major, having grown up close to the All England Club.

The 23-year-old is the first British wild card to reach the quarter-finals at a major and is now the second to reach the men’s singles semis here as a wild card, after 2001 champion Goran Ivanisevic.

Fery could not believe his accomplishment: “It seems to get better and better with each match,” the winner said. “I can’t believe it.

“It is incredible to play two times on Centre Court and get my second win.

“I knew that I could do it, even though it was my first time in the quarter-finals. 

I just kept going. I was very nervous beforehand. Just kept going until the finish line.”

He added: “That last game, I felt emotions that I hadn’t experienced before in my life. 

“I think it’s the same up there (his player box). It’s unbelievable to share it with those guys. I’m so happy.”

Zverev has much more big-match experience but was also thrilled to reach the semis here for the first time at age 29 as he thrashed Fritz after losing their last seven matches.

“Nothing on the tennis court is ever easy,” the German said. “I knew I had to focus from the first moment… he had three break points against me in my first service game

“And it’s always in the back of your mind that you have not beaten an opponent for two years. I had to play almost perfect to have a chance.

“I felt like I did that today.”

Zverev is the fifth active player to reach the men’s singles semi-finals at all four of the Slams 

“To play on Centre or No. 1 Court is one of the biggest honours in tennis, there is nothing else like it.

“It was my dream to play well at Wimbledon – I’ve waited a long time for it.”

The German said he expects the British semi-final crowd to be totally behind Fery.

“I don’t have a problem with that at all. It will be an exciting day for both of us. I just have to trust myself and my tennis and hopefully show a good performance.”

Main photo:- Arthur Fery falls to the ground after winning quarter final in straight sets – by Roger Parker/ISFLtd