Arthur Fery's Laver Cup Role Highlights Rapid Rise
Tim Henman praises British No. 1 Arthur Fery as a brilliant addition to Team Europe at the Laver Cup in London, following Fery's breakthrough Wimbledon
Arthur Fery has been praised by Tim Henman as a brilliant addition to Team Europe at the Laver Cup in London. The 24-year-old British number one served as an alternate for the victorious European squad after a major season that included a Wimbledon semi-final run.
Tim Henman, the former British number one and Team Europe vice-captain, highlighted Fery's remarkable progress. "Well, you’d have to ask him that, but from where I’ve sat, he’s been a brilliant part of the team," Henman said. Fery stormed into the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wildcard ranked outside the top 100 this summer, a run that included a first-round qualifying win over Flavio Cobolli in Australia. He later helped Great Britain secure a 4-0 Davis Cup victory over Ecuador at the Copper Box Arena to qualify for the Finals. Fery is now Britain's top-ranked man, ahead of Cameron Norrie and Jan Choinski, while Jack Draper sits sixth due to injuries.
Fery’s rapid ascent
Arthur Fery's year marks a dramatic climb from the qualifying rounds. Starting the season well outside the top 100, his Wimbledon semi-final appearance, where he lost to French Open champion Alexander Zverev, has reshaped his career. His subsequent Davis Cup contribution and ascent to British number one show a rapid rise that earned him his Laver Cup call-up. His first ATP event since the US Open ended with a first-round loss to Lorenzo Musetti.
Team Europe’s London success
Team Europe reclaimed the Laver Cup with a 13-5 victory over Team World at London's O2 Arena. The European side dominated the doubles matches, a key factor in their win. The event, often called the Ryder Cup of tennis, allows rivals to become teammates.
Key doubles results included:
Team Europe's bench featured Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Casper Ruud, alongside Fery, Cobolli, Mensik, and Rafael Jodar. This victory avenged their loss to Team World in San Francisco last year.
Henman’s role and reflections
As vice-captain, Tim Henman worked on building team chemistry, particularly in doubles. He noted the shift in doubles strategy. "Yeah, I think that’s also a reflection of how the game of doubles has changed," Henman said, observing a move from serve-and-volley to stronger baseline play. The 52-year-old former star also discussed managing world number three Carlos Alcaraz, who has played only one tournament in the last five months and may be feeling physical strain.
Henman reflected on the special camaraderie from last year's event under captain Yannick Noah, but emphasized the desire to win in London after falling short in San Francisco. He expressed hope that the Laver Cup experience would motivate Fery to improve his ranking and secure a spot on the European team for the next edition in Los Angeles.
The event also evoked memories of past Laver Cup highlights, such as Roger Federer teaming up with Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in doubles. Federer played his final professional doubles match at the O2 Arena alongside Nadal upon his retirement four years ago. Henman's focus remains on the present competition and its role in developing players like Arthur Fery.
