Fery grew up a short walk away from Centre Court, coming to the Championships most summers and trying to mimic the stars he watched.
Now the new British number one is the star attraction at the All England Club and potentially inspiring the next generation.
Fery’s journey began near Paris, where he was born to French parents, before the family relocated to Wimbledon when he was still young.
After coming through the LTA system as one of the nation’s most promising youngsters, Fery decided to move to Stanford University in California – a prestigious institution that specialises in research.
The academic Fery studied for a degree in science, technology and society, giving him a back-up in case tennis did not work out but also allowing him to sharpen his game on a tennis scholarship.
Fery delayed his full-time transition to the ATP Tour in order to follow the routes of fellow alumni John McEnroe and the Bryan brothers to the top.
Fery’s progress has also been limited by injuries, notably bone bruising in his arm that led to “doubts and dark moments”.
He needed to be patient to overcome an issue which lingers if not properly rested and, having played consistently over the past two seasons, is now reaping the rewards.
Keeping cool, calm and serious on court – and in post-match interviews – has been key to reaching the semi-finals.
He was unfazed by playing in front of Roger Federer in his fourth-round win over Grigor Dimitrov.
Being watched by Queen Camilla against Cobolli – and meeting her before and after the match – barely brought a butterfly.
“She congratulated me and said ‘keep going’,” Fery said.
“I told her it was my birthday on Sunday. It would be great to play the Wimbledon final on my birthday.”
A British wildcard playing in the Wimbledon men’s final on his 24th birthday? Now that truly is make-believe.
Or is it?