A British wildcard who had never won a Grand Slam match before this summer found himself at Centre Court on finals day, chatting with the Prince and Princess of Wales about setting up a playdate with their children. Arthur Fery, a 24-year-old ranked 114th in the world, defied expectations to reach the men's singles semi-finals at Wimbledon, then capped it off by inviting Prince George and Princess Charlotte to hit with him.
Fery arrived at the All England Club as a relative unknown. He had never advanced beyond the second round of a Grand Slam tournament. But over two weeks, he became the first British wildcard to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam in the open era, beating higher-ranked opponents before losing to Alexander Zverev. His run earned him £900,000 in prize money and will see him become the new British number one, rising to 36th in the world rankings.
“Arthur Fery's Wimbledon semi-final run and royal invite explained”
On the final Sunday, Fery attended the men's singles final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived with their children George and Charlotte, receiving a standing ovation. After the match, Fery met the royals. The Princess of Wales, who is patron of the All England Club, congratulated Fery on his semi-final run and wished him a happy birthday—he turned 24 that day. Fery also received a birthday card from the couple.
Fery then extended an invitation. “I know the whole family are all tennis fans,” he said. “So I told her if her kids ever wanted to hit, I'm free.” Asked whether he thinks they'll take him up on it, he replied: “Let's see, I don't know. Let's see if I get the call up.”
The encounter was part of a long tradition of royal involvement at Wimbledon. The Princess of Wales presented the trophy to Sinner, who won his second consecutive title. Other royals present included Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife Sophie Winkleman, and Lady Gabriella Kingston.
Fery's sudden fame brings parallels to Emma Raducanu's 2021 US Open victory, though he is careful to note: “Emma won a Slam and I didn't, but there was still a lot of media attention. It is going to be really important to handle that—the expectation from myself and also the public.” He added that the breakthrough means he can now “play the top players week in week out” and is looking forward to his first US Open main draw.
For UK readers, Fery's story is a classic underdog tale that reignites interest in British tennis. The royal connection adds a layer of national pride and curiosity. Whether George and Charlotte ever take him up on his offer remains to be seen, but Fery is now a name to watch.
Q: Who is Arthur Fery? Arthur Fery is a 24-year-old British tennis player who, at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, became the first British wildcard to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam in the open era. He entered the tournament ranked 114th in the world and will rise to 36th after his run.
Q: What did Arthur Fery say to the Princess of Wales? Fery told Princess Catherine that if Prince George and Princess Charlotte ever wanted to play tennis, he was free. He also received a birthday card and congratulations from the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Q: How much prize money did Arthur Fery win at Wimbledon? Fery earned £900,000 for reaching the semi-finals. He also becomes the new British number one.
What happens next: Fery is expected to play the US Open later this summer—he did not even play qualifiers the previous year. He will also adjust to increased media attention and expectations as a top-40 player. As for the royal tennis session, he said he will have to wait and see if he “gets the call up.”