Wimbledon breakout star Arthur Fery, 23, has asserted his strong British identity despite his French birthplace and parentage, a point that has surfaced amid his successful run to the semi-finals as a wildcard entrant.
Fery, who was ranked world No. 114 before the tournament began, moved to Wimbledon at a young age. While he attended university in the USA, his education and tennis training have been based in London. This deep connection to the city has led to some French media outlets referring to him as France's "last remaining hope" due to his dual nationality and family ties.
However, Fery clarified his feelings after his quarter-final victory. "I feel very British," he stated. "I live here, all my best friends live here, I went to school here, I train here." He acknowledged that while French is spoken within his family and with French relatives, his "roots are very much tied to London now."
Fery previously represented France at the Under-12 level. His mother, Olivia, is a former professional tennis player who competed in the 1991 French Open and represented France in the precursor to the Billie Jean King Cup. His father, Loic, is a prominent figure in finance, having worked as a private investor and hedge fund manager. In 2023, his net worth was estimated at €320 million (£272 million), and he formerly owned the football club FC Lorient.
Regarding his choice to represent Great Britain, Fery has previously said there was "no decision to make" because he developed within the British tennis system. His father echoed this sentiment, describing him as a "true Wimbledon boy" who grew up playing tennis near the All England Club, attended school nearby, and has always lived in the area.