He’s the smallest man left in the Wimbledon singles draw – as well as the youngest.
But far from holding him back, experts say Arthur Fery’s youth, shorter stature and relative Grand Slam inexperience could actually give the British wildcard an unlikely edge.
Scientists say the 23–year–old may have several hidden advantages over his more established rivals, including faster footwork and sharper changes of direction.
He came into the tournament ranked 114th in the world, having never progressed past the second round of a major before.
Now, he has become the first wildcard to reach a Wimbledon semi–final in 25 years.
He will need to utilise every advantage he can when he faces world number two Alexander Zverev in the semi–final tomorrow.
At 6ft 6in (1.98m), the German stands nine inches taller than Fery, who measures just 5ft 9in (1.75m).
However Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy at Lancaster University, told the Daily Mail: ‘Being shorter as a tennis player has a few advantages.’
Shorter players have a lower centre of gravity which means they are more agile and less likely to fall over, Professor Taylor explained
British wildcard Arthur Fery (left), who measures just 5ft 11in, is the smallest man left in the Wimbledon singles draw
Professor Taylor explained that the continued change in direction required for the rallies in tennis can benefit players who are shorter.
‘Their lower centre of gravity means they are more agile and less likely to fall over,’ he said.
‘This gives them an advantage when moving around the court.’
He explained that shorter limbs can also be beneficial as the initial power generated is greater than in longer arms or legs.
‘This is key when changing direction or commencing movement to get to a return,’ he said.
‘Although taller players might be faster overall, the size of the tennis court means that there isn’t sufficient space for tall players to achieve their top speed which is generally faster.’
At just 23, Fery is six years younger than his 29–year–old opponent Zverev.
This could also work in his favour, the expert said.
Shorter limbs can also be beneficial as the initial power generated is greater than in longer arms or legs. Pictured: Fery plays a backhand against Flavio Cobolli of Italy
Being a British tennis player at Wimbledon means the crowd will be behind you, triggering a huge release of endorphins which can have a positive impact on heart, lung and muscle performance
‘At an elite level the advantage would be less than for the average person,’ Professor Taylor said.
‘However, the recovery time for younger players is generally shorter and at an elite level younger players have typically accumulated less injuries and niggles which can have an impact on performance.’
He explained that individuals over the age of 30 have a lower VO2 max – the amount of oxygen your body can absorb during exercise – compared to younger people.
‘It peaks at around age 30 and declines after that,’ he added.
While this may not have an impact on the Zverev game, if Fery goes through to the final it could give him an edge against 39–year–old Novak Djokovic, who he could be up against.
Professor Taylor explained that being a wildcard entrant – rather than a favourite to win – could ease the pressure on Fery’s shoulders compared to higher–ranked players.
‘The expectations of the big names comes with pressure, which can sometime impact performance,’ he said.
‘One of the other advantages is as someone with limited grand slam experience is that opponents have less exposure to how you play.’
Arthur Fery celebrates his Wimbledon quarter–final victory against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. Tomorrow he will play world number two Alexander Zverev
Finally, he said there is one key element with ‘huge potential’ for impacting performance – the crowd.
‘Being a British tennis player at Wimbledon with the crowd behind you will create a huge endorphin release in the body,’ he said.
‘This is the feel–good factor.
‘These endorphins can have a huge impact on how your heart, lungs and muscles perform.’
Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy at the University of Bristol, agreed with Professor Taylor’s analysis.
‘Height in tennis is often discussed as though taller is always better, but it is more nuanced than that,’ she told the Daily Mail.
‘A taller player may have an obvious mechanical advantage on serve… but being shorter can bring its own advantages, particularly in movement, balance and return of serve.
‘A lower centre of gravity can make it easier to change direction quickly, stay balanced when pulled wide, and recover position after a shot.’
She added: ‘Tennis is full of tiny accelerations, decelerations and split–second adjustments, so agility can matter just as much as reach.
‘A shorter player may also find it easier to get low to the ball, especially on lower–bouncing shots, slices and fast returns.’
She added that at 23, Fery is well placed to be able to recover between points and matches and to be able to tolerate repeated high–intensity efforts.
Being less experienced could also mean he is able to stay focused on the next point rather than the significance of the occasion.
‘The key point is that success in tennis is not determined by one anatomical feature,’ she added.
‘Height, limb length, strength, balance, reaction time, anticipation, emotional control and tactical intelligence all interact.
‘A shorter player may not have the same serve geometry as a much taller opponent, but if they move beautifully, read the game well and return effectively, that can become a very powerful set of advantages.’
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