French Tennis Fans Hilariously Attempt to Claim Brit Wimbledon Star Arthur Fery as Their Own

SHAMELESS French tennis fans have tried to hijack Wimbledon hero Arthur Fery as one of their own — even though he moved to Britain at a month old.

Sore losers across the Channel claim — who grew up five minutes from Centre Court — is their “last remaining hope” prompting a “hands-off” return from Blighty.

Shamelss French tennis fans are trying to claim Brit ace Arthur Fery as one of their own Credit: AFP Sore losers across the Channel claim Arthur — who grew up five minutes from Centre Court — is their ‘last remaining hope’ prompting a ‘hands-off’ return from Blighty Credit: Paul Edwards

Arthur, 23, who was born in to parents, says himself he “feels very British” and dad Loic told L’Equipe newspaper: “He’s a true Wimbledon boy.”

The new British No 1, who is 5ft 9in, plays 6ft 6in German number two seed , 29, in today’s Centre Court semi-final — and will have the full force of his adoptive nation behind him.

Druid King Arthur Pendragon is among them and is urging Fery to “invoke the spirit” of his legendary namesake.

The self-proclaimed reincarnation of the fabled British king told The Sun: “As a fellow Celt I suggest the French back off.

“He’s a Brit and this is the Isle of the mighty and we will stand against the French.”

King Arthur, 72 — who changed his name by deed poll from John Timothy Rothwell 39 years ago — said he would “light a candle” for the ace and send healing powers his way to get him fighting fit.

In a video from Nice in France, holidaying chimed in: “People are saying ‘Is he French?’, ‘Is he English?’ Arthur Fery is English. He’s ours.

“I’m here in France. He’s English, French people. Let’s get behind him and bring that title home.”

Fery was born in Paris to French parents Credit: Getty Arthur says he ‘feels very British’ Credit: Getty

The row took flight after it emerged Arthur was born in Paris suburb Sevres.

The area was under British control in the 15th century in the 100 Years War.

Arthur himself has told of his love for the UK, saying: “I live here. All my best friends live here. I went to school here. I train here.”

His dad stressed last week: “England means a lot and Great Britain means a lot because he grew up here. And he’s always, despite having two French parents, he’s always been very, very attached to playing for a team from GB.”

That is still not enough for our neighbours across the water, with some crowing that Arthur should wrap himself in the Tricolore.

X user Legende wrote: “Arthur Fery is the first Frenchman to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals since Richard Gasquet in the 2015 edition. Problem: He still plays for the United Kingdom.”

On Facebook, Antoine Johana Malya Varona wrote: “He is above all French.”

Jean-Paul Marcotte joked: “French when they win and British when they lose!”

French media sites are also referring to the pro as “Franco-British”, with France’s RMC Sport saying his decision to adopt the Union Flag is “a disappointment for the French Tennis Federation”.

Arthur’s elated mum watches her son at Wimbledon Credit: BBC Arthur’s dad watches proudly from the stands Credit: BBC

Fery played briefly for France as a child before representing Britain at U14 level.

By then, he said, there was “no question” of his allegiance.