Wimbledon tournament organizers have scheduled British player Arthur Fery to play his third-round match against Zizou Bergs on the 782-seat Court 18 on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
The decision means no British singles player will appear on Centre Court for a fifth consecutive day.
>>> Pope Leo Urges US to Uphold Founding Immigrant Ideals in Independence Day Address
Baker Defends Scheduling Policy
Tournament director Jamie Baker addressed the scheduling choices, stating that the policy aims to place the best matches on the biggest courts.
"We're looking at every single day and also several days in advance," Baker said, as reported by inews.
co. uk.
Baker noted that international and local demand influences show court placements.
He pointed out that injuries to top British players Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper altered the expected lineup.
"They're the two biggest British names by miles," he said, adding that they would almost certainly have appeared on Centre Court.
Fery himself requested to play on Court 18, which aligned with the tournament's overall plans.
The British player is projected to reach a career-high ranking of 107, while Draper continues to battle a long-term bone bruising in his arm.
>>> Chiara Battig Tops F1 Academy Practice on Silverstone Debut
Fery's Injury and Recovery
LTA men's national coach Alex Ward, who manages Fery's career, discussed the bone bruising injury that Fery previously overcame.
Ward explained that the recovery process involved extensive adjustments over an extended period, including changing strings and rackets.
"It has been challenging.
He had it for like a year and a half," Ward said, noting that Fery eventually found success on the Challenger Tour and at the Australian Open.
Ward also addressed Fery's recent mid-match nosebleeds during grass-court matches. Medical staff plan to evaluate the condition after Wimbledon.
"We're not entirely sure the cause of it," Ward said, adding that the heightened environment of competitive match play likely influences the symptom.
Despite these challenges, Ward emphasized Fery's strong mindset. "He's really got true self-belief," Ward said, noting that Fery thrives in big environments with supportive crowds.
>>> Salford City Signs Macaulay Langstaff from Millwall
"He genuinely loves being on Court 18 with the crowd."
