Arthur Fery speaks out on copying Emma Raducanu as he eyes Wimbledon title

Arthur Fery is hoping to copy Emma Raducanu and become Britain's next Grand Slam champion. The 23-year-old is through to the Wimbledon semi-finals after destroying Flavio Cobolli in straight sets on Centre Court on Wednesday.

Raducanu made her big breakthrough at SW19 in 2021 after being handed a wildcard. She won her first three matches in straight sets but then retired against Ajla Tomljanovic after struggling with breathing problems. Raducanu went on to win the US Open title later that year.

Wildcard recipient Fery vividly recalls Raducanu's campaign and says it will provide him with motivation. He said: "My memory of it was that it was impressive how she didn't let the occasion get to her. She would just keep going match after match playing well beating top players. That was until the title. It's very tough to do when you're not used to being on the stage on such a big stage. She did great when she won the US Open."

Fery continued: "Yeah I've been trying to do that as well. Just take it match by match play my game put what I do best on court. Yeah keep doing that."

Fery also explained that he had an extra confidence boost because he had beaten Cobolli at the Australian Open earlier this year. He added: "I felt as I said on court not comfortable but a bit more confident in playing someone that I'd played before on a big stage. Even throughout the match I felt like it was very very close. At times he was serving really well. But I felt like I had always a little bit not of leeway but a little bit of an edge. Yeah managed to get through the second which was huge and then got through the third."

A huge challenge awaits next in second seed Alexander Zverev on Friday. For now Fery is savouring the moment. He said: "It just seems to get better and better every match. I can't believe it. It's incredible playing on Centre Court for the second time second win."