Fery reveals tennis Player Council ambitions as he gets Laver Cup call-up
British tennis star Arthur Fery has revealed his ambition to join the sport’s burgeoning player power movement after capping a breakthrough season with a Laver Cup call-up.
After a stunning run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon earlier this year, new British men’s No1 Fery has been added to the European squad as an alternate for this weekend’s clash with Team World at the O2 in London.
While still just 24, he is eyeing a seat on the influential Player Council after seeing top men’s and women’s players secure key concessions from the Grand Slams through collective action this year.
“I don’t mind being outspoken and there’s always going to be improvements to be made for the tour,” Fery told City AM.
“Right now I’m still fresh on the tour so I’m just trying to focus on myself and my problems rather than looking at other people’s business, but long term it could also be interesting and stimulating to dive into the business side of the tour or be on the Player Council. Maybe it’s something that I’ll want to do in a few years.
“The top guys speak out about the prize money and the profit share; there’s been change already and everyone’s receptive to it so that’s great. It’ll be great to have both sides always working together but I think the balls are the next, for me.
“The courts have stayed the same, they’ve been slow but they’ve been slow for a while, and that contributes also to good tennis and it contributes to conditions that I enjoy playing on.”
Laver Cup adds Fery
Laver Cup tennis returns to London for the first time since 2022 with five of the top 10 men’s players set to star. Fery, should he find a way into the starting team, could find himself playing doubles with Carlos Alcaraz and against the likes of Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.
The three-day event sees a mixture of singles and doubles matches, with points awarded for wins. The first team to 13 points is crowned the winner with Team Europe looking to reclaim the crown after losing it to Team World in San Francisco last year.
“It’s going to be a great week,” Fery added. “I’m really looking forward to it. I had the chance to go to the Laver Cup as a spectator four years ago, and it was at the O2 as well. It’s an unbelievable event with the best players in the world.
“The court looks great and the O2 is probably the best place in London to do it. And it being at home in front of British fans as well, it’s awesome.
“I’m joining the team as an alternate so right now it will be from the bench, but if I do get the chance to play it’ll be a great experience. I’ve had a few good experiences with big crowds this year already. I feel like I’m ready to play if that’s the case. But playing at the O2 – 18,000 people – it’s a big place and it’s loud indoors. We play tennis for those kinds of atmospheres.”
Tickets remain available for the tournament.