When asked what he thinks has been the difference between his preparations heading into Wimbledon this year, compared to last, the British No.3 added, “I think the obvious one is that I’ve played a lot of grass court matches leading up to Wimbledon this year. That definitely helps with confidence, with match fitness, with everything.
“I’ve also been playing a lot this year, got a lot of wins under the belt and that really helps. I felt confident here even before my first round. My ranking was higher, so that helped with me feeling in my place.”
Fery has become extremely familiar with the unique experience that comes with Court 18 but with a blockbuster meeting against fellow wild card and former world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov awaiting him next, we can expect the Brit in action on one of the main show courts for his fourth round clash.
That brings a new layer of expectation for the Wimbledon local, who is set to compete in front of the biggest crowd of his career.
However, with Fery fuelled with confidence and in the form of his life, he’ll be eager to draw on the energy from the home crowd and use it to his advantage against the experienced Bulgarian.
“Obviously, it’s unbelievable to have support, it definitely helps me. Clearly at the end of the fifth (set in his third round match), the crowd played a huge part in that.
“I was really, really grateful to have them behind me. I’m not the kind of player to interact with the crowd too much during the match. I try to stay collected inside, which sometimes is tricky enough as it is. If I start giving too much energy out, then it’s going to affect my tennis.
“Playing on a bigger court, obviously it’s going to be, not a new experience, but a great experience that I’m looking forward to. There’s obviously pressure associated with it but I’ve now already played a few matches in front of big crowds. I feel ready for it.”
Fery will return on Monday 6 July to face Dimitrov for a place in his first Grand Slam quarter-final.
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