Fery Overcomes Nosebleeds to Reach Wimbledon Fourth Round
Arthur Fery, ranked world No. 114, triumphed in a grueling five-set match against Zizou Bergs to advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time in his career. The 23-year-old British wildcard endured persistent nosebleeds that required medical treatment three times during the match, including while trailing 4-1 in both the fourth and fifth sets.
Despite these challenges, Fery demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, ultimately securing a 2-6, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) victory after four hours and 38 minutes of play. This marked the first five-set win of Fery’s career and made him only the second British wildcard to reach the last 16 at a Grand Slam, following Andrew Foster’s achievement at Wimbledon in 1993.
As the sole British singles player remaining in the last 32, Fery carried the hopes of the home crowd with composure throughout the match. The breaks for his nosebleeds posed difficulties for his opponent, particularly one extended pause during the 10th game of the deciding set. Typically, players are permitted only one medical timeout per condition, but bleeding is an exception that mandates immediate treatment.
Fery plans to seek medical care after the tournament to address the nosebleed issue, which has increasingly affected him during the grass-court season.
“It’s unreal. Four hours 40 with that support, it’s unbelievable. I requested to play on this court because it’s awesome. I had a great time on it in the second round and this trumps it but I got so much support.”
Match Context and Background
Initially, some questioned why the match was scheduled on the relatively small Court 18. Fery was born in France to French parents but grew up just ten minutes from the All England Club. He had hoped for an unseeded opponent in his first Grand Slam third round, but Bergs, named after French footballer Zinedine Zidane, was a formidable adversary. Bergs had recently won his first ATP Tour title at Eastbourne and climbed to a career-high ranking of 37.
Bergs dominated the opening set, during which Fery experienced his first nosebleed after four games. However, Fery rallied in the second set, aided by some poorly timed double faults from Bergs.
Although Fery seemed to gain momentum heading into the crucial third set, Bergs responded strongly with a streak of five consecutive games, taking a commanding 4-1 lead with a double break. Fery appeared fatigued but, energized by the home crowd, mounted a comeback to force a tiebreak, which he won decisively by hitting a forehand winner down the line on the run and executing a full-stretch backhand volley.
Fery’s second nosebleed occurred during a break lasting more than 15 minutes, during which both players left the court to change clothes. Bergs also took a timeout to treat a blister.
Despite struggling to regain his physical intensity, Fery continued to fight back as Bergs again neared victory but faltered. Entering the final tiebreak, it was evident that Fery, buoyed by the crowd’s support, believed this was his moment, and he ultimately prevailed.
