Arthur Fery said he had no idea he was being watched by the Princess of Wales as he kept the flag flying for Britain at Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old wild card is through to the third round at a grand slam for the first time after beating Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen in four sets.
Instead of heading straight for the plush seats in Centre Court’s Royal Box, Kate chose a spot on the plastic pews of Court 18 to support the local lad.
But Fery was oblivious, saying: “I didn’t know she was coming. I didn’t know that was the case.
“Obviously an honour to play in front of her. I guess if I’d known, it would have maybe made me a little tight.”
Given that upon Kate’s arrival Fery dropped serve for the only time in the match to lose the first set, and then had a nosebleed, it was hard to imagine him getting any tighter.
However, he levelled after a tie-break and in the third set brought up three break points with a superb lob – no mean feat against the 6ft 4in Virtanen – and converted the first to edge ahead for the first time.
A deft Fery volley created another break point, put away by a forehand winner, and an impressive 5-7 7-6 (3) 6-3 6-3 victory was wrapped up in a shade under three hours to set up a third-round meeting with Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.
Fery, who grew up close to the All England Club, is able to go home and sleep in his own bed after matches, a rare treat for a nomadic tennis professional.
“Yeah, it’s really nice,” he said. “We don’t have that luxury very often. We’re always in hotels, Airbnbs or apartments.
“It was awesome playing five minutes from where I grew up, it’s super special. Lots of friends, family, people that I know in the crowd.
“When I do look around, I always see a familiar face. I have support from everyone when I’m not playing at home, as well.
“It’s been nice staying at home for Queen’s, staying at home for Wimbledon now, having family around. Yeah, it’s really nice. It feels like I’m at home. And the drive’s not long!”
