LONDON — British wildcard Arthur Fery delivered one of the most stunning upsets on the opening day of Wimbledon 2024, defeating 20th seed Alexei Popyrin in a thrilling five-set battle that left the home crowd in raptures. The 21-year-old, ranked No. 391 in the world, showcased nerves of steel to overcome the Australian in a match that lasted nearly three hours, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Fery, who earned his spot in the main draw through a wildcard, had never before won a Grand Slam match. His victory over Popyrin, a seasoned competitor with multiple ATP titles to his name, marks a career-defining moment. Speaking after the match, an emotional Fery said, "This is my most proud day on a tennis court. To do it here at Wimbledon, in front of my home fans, is something I’ll never forget."
A Dream Start for the Underdog
Fery came out firing in the first set, breaking Popyrin early and maintaining his composure to take it 6-4. His aggressive baseline play and precise serving kept the Australian on the back foot. However, Popyrin, known for his powerful groundstrokes, fought back in the second set, capitalizing on a few unforced errors from Fery to level the match.
The third set saw Fery regain control, breaking Popyrin at a crucial moment to take a 2-1 lead. But the momentum shifted again in the fourth as Popyrin’s experience shone through, forcing a decider. In the fifth set, Fery’s resilience was on full display. He saved two break points at 2-2 before securing a decisive break in the eighth game, serving out the match to love.
Key Factors Behind the Upset
Several elements contributed to Fery’s historic win:
- Mental Toughness: Fery remained composed under pressure, particularly in the fifth set, where he saved critical break points.
- Serve and Volley Tactics: He frequently approached the net, winning 72% of net points compared to Popyrin’s 58%.
- Home Crowd Support: The British fans rallied behind him, providing an extra boost during tense moments.
Popyrin, who reached the third round at Wimbledon last year, admitted he struggled to handle Fery’s unpredictability. "Arthur played with nothing to lose, and it showed. He was aggressive, took risks, and it paid off. Credit to him—he deserved the win today," the Australian said in his post-match press conference.
A Rising Star’s Journey
Fery, who grew up in London, has long been tipped as one of Britain’s most promising talents. After a successful collegiate career at Stanford University, he turned professional in 2022 but has faced setbacks due to injuries. This victory marks a significant breakthrough, propelling him into the spotlight.
His coach, former British No. 1 Tim Henman, praised Fery’s work ethic: "Arthur has always had the talent, but what’s impressed me most is his dedication. He’s put in the hours, and today was the reward."
What’s Next for Fery?
Fery will face either French veteran Richard Gasquet or rising Czech star Jakub Mensik in the second round. Regardless of the outcome, his performance has already cemented his status as a player to watch. With this win, he becomes the lowest-ranked player to defeat a seeded opponent at Wimbledon since 2018.
As the British press dubs him "The Giant Killer," Fery remains grounded. "I’m just taking it one match at a time. Today was special, but I know there’s still a long way to go. I’ll enjoy this moment, then get back to work." For now, Wimbledon has its newest Cinderella story, and British tennis fans have a new hero to cheer for.