Britain’s Arthur Fery wins five-set epic against Zizou Bergs at Wimbledon

For three hours, the combination of a classy Belgian opponent and chronic nosebleed looked an impediment too far in pursuit of round four.

Fery’s revival began when showcasing more variety than a night at the Palladium during Bruce Forsyth’s heyday. An array of slices and impressive net game seemed to befuddle his opponent when he impressively levelled for 1-1 and 2-2, the crowd erupting at the promise of a British win.

It had taken 68 minutes for Fery to make the spectators believe, a break of serve at 2-1 in the second set proving a momentary turning point in what had hitherto been a one-sided match.

“All aboard the Fery,” one fan shouted. “Fery’s coming home,” was another. At his best, he looked more like a speedboat.

Fery was severely impeded by medical time-outs; his last was at game point when 5-4 down in the fifth. Many players will appreciate the suggestion they might get a nosebleed by flying up the rankings. In Fery’s case it is an occupation hazard, the chronic issue in need of resolution to ensure it does not disrupt career progress.

It was an untimely distraction as Fery tamely lost the opening set. He scurried back with a stunning break of serve when 6-5 up in the second, the precursor for a more unlikely fightback later before another nosebleed occurred at the most inopportune moment.

What character he showed.

Despite Bergs regaining the ascendancy in the fifth, Fery did not wilt as the son of French parents put Zizou in the shade by claiming the match tie-break, falling to the turf in exhausted elation after keeping the home fires burning.