Zverev brings the curtain down on Fery-tale run

Alexander Zverev dominated from the start to end the unexpected victory run of Arthur Fery at Wimbledon, with the British wild card going down 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4 in the Friday semi-final.

The 23-year-old  Paris-born Brit dubbed “Cross-Channel Fery” by tabloid media, lost his bid to become the first local to reach the Wimbledon final since Andy Murray and only the fourth Briton overall to get that far here.

With his dominating victory in two and a quarter hours, German’s Zverev became the 13th man to reach the final at all four Grand Slams; he won his only title at a major a month ago at Roland Garros over Flavio Cobolli.

Zverev will be playing in his fifth Grand Slam final.

The mis-match ended on the second seed’s first match point, which he earned  with a winning stab volley at the net.

The German took victory a point later as  Wimbledon local Fery’s return landed long over the baseline.

Zverev will now face the winner from top seeded holder Jannik Sinner and seven-time Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic for the title.

“It’s amazing, this is the Grand Slam where I’ve struggled the most and all of a sudden I’m in the final,” the 29-year-old winner said.

“I’m incredibly happy and proud. But we have one more match to go and that’s what the focus is on.” 

Zverev paid credit to Fery, calling his run to semi-final glory “amazing.”

“Credit to Arthur, he’s just beginning his career and I’m sure he will do great things on the court.”

Zverev said he does not care whom he plays in the Sunday final. “No matter who it is, it won’t be easy. I have to trust myself and believe that I can win. That’s what I’m gonna do.”

Zverev has won his last nine matches against British opponents dating to 2023.

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev celebrates straight sets win – by Roger Parker/ISF Ltd