Fils: I’m Much Better than When I Left

Arthur Fils was already a rising star last year—before a stress fracture in his back sidelined him for six months and cast doubt over his long-term trajectory.

Two months—and 25 matches—into his comeback, the question that is on the tip of everyone’s tongue: is the Frenchman better than ever?

To the naked eye, it certainly appears so. And in Fils’ own mind, there is no doubt.

“I think I’m playing better now. I’m better in every stage —the tennis is better, the fitness is better, the mental side is better as well,” Fils told Lee Goodall in Madrid after earning a hard-fought 7-6(2), 6-3 victory over Emilio Nava.

“Sometimes there are tough moments, like an injury, but you have to find the positives and work on the small details—and that’s what we did. Now I’m coming back much better than when I left.”

It’s no secret that Fils has approached his comeback with complete professionalism. Alongside his rehabilitation, he has refined his technique to reduce the physical strain on his body.

The result is a fine-tuned version of the 21-year-old, who has won 20 of his last 25 matches and currently sits fifth in the ATP Live Race to Turin—an impressive feat considering he missed the opening month of the season.

On Sunday in Madrid, Fils showed no signs of slowing, dispatching the big-serving Nava with a composed and methodical performance. Unable to crack Nava’s serve early, he stayed patient and took control in the tiebreak. In the second set, he made key adjustments, breaking twice to close out the win.

“I knew he was coming for me,” said Fils, who counts Nava among his good friends. “He was playing aggressive, with a really big serve—serving bombs, close to 220 on almost every first serve—so it was very tough. We had to go to a tiebreak, and I played a great one. In the second set, I was much better and managed to return his serve.

“I feel better and better on court, and for once I’m happy to be in Madrid.”

With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined for the remainder of the clay season due to a wrist injury, the conversation has shifted to who might seize the opportunity.

Fils—who will turn 22 shortly after Roland-Garros—has firmly placed himself in that discussion.