Arthur Fery Wore Earplugs Against Damir Dzumhur After Greg Allensworth Missed Lets

At Wimbledon, Arthur Fery wore earplugs during his first-round match against Damir Dzumhur after Dzumhur repeatedly protested to the chair umpire, Greg Allensworth, over calls including “lets” that Allensworth did not call.

Mundo Deportivo described the match as Dzumhur, the Bosnian ranked 105 in the tour, starting with a 6-3 lead before being handed a thrashing with back-to-back 6-2s and a 6-1 in the fourth set.

BBC

Fery later explained the earplugs were part of a focus routine, telling reporters: “It's something I've been doing for a while. I don't use the plugs in every match, but overall they help me, not only with the opponent, but with the crowd noise.”

In the same match, Fery also faced Dzumhur’s on-court conduct, with Fery saying, “I just focused on not letting it affect my emotional state,” as he tried to keep his emotional state steady.

After beating Dzumhur, Fery advanced to face Otto Virtanen, who reached the second round after upsetting world No. 5 Ben Shelton.

On Thursday 2 July 2026, the Princess of Wales attended the fourth day of Wimbledon and broke tradition by sitting on the outside courts rather than in the royal box, dressed in a blue linen suit.

Sky News said she was seated beside former semi-finalist Tim Henman as she watched Briton Arthur Fery play his second-round match against Finn Otto Virtanen at Court 18.

BBC

The BBC reported that Fery, the world number 114, was left carrying British hopes at the All England Club this year after becoming the sole home player to reach the third round, and he told BBC Sport: “I was trying to imitate players - like you do when you're a kid.”

Sky News added that Kate later took a seat in Court One beside former world number one Sir Andy Murray to watch Briton Katie Swan face Madison Keys from the US.

Fery did not find out about the Princess’s presence until afterwards, and the BBC said her presence “caused excitement among the crowd on the court and the fans in the grounds,” while Fery said it might have been for the best because it did not create extra nerves.

By Thursday 2 July 2026, Sky Sports said Arthur Fery became the last British singles player standing at Wimbledon after Katie Swan, Jacob Fearnley and Jan Choinski all bowed out.

Sky Sports reported that Fery, a 23-year-old wild card, beat Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen in four sets and was through to the third round, with a 5-7 7-6 (3) 6-3 6-3 victory wrapped up in a shade under three hours.

The BBC said Fery reached the last 32 of a Grand Slam for the first time and described him as the British men’s number three, adding that he told BBC Sport: “I wouldn't say it's pressure. If anything, it's a good thing for me personally.”

Sky Sports said Fery set up a third-round meeting with Belgium's Eastbourne winner Zizou Bergs, after converting break points including a superb lob and a deft volley.

With British ranks dwindling further, the BBC noted that Fery was the sole home player to reach the third round, while Sky Sports emphasized that he was “keeps the flag flying for Britain” as the remaining Brits exited.