Everything counts
The injuries, Federer, Nadal and more sources of inspiration from Arthur Fils
Interview with El French, Alcaraz rival in SF of Barcelona
April 18, 2025
ATP Tour/Getty Images
by this ATEDIDE ATP
Arthur Fils has proven to be one of the most brilliant talents of ATP Tour. The Frenchman, alumn of the Next Gen ATP Finals present by Pif, has competed in the most important stages in the world against the greatest stars of tennis.
On Saturday he will have another opportunity to demonstrate his game to the world when he faces Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.
Atptour.com recently met with Arthur Fils to talk about the beginnings of his career, difficulties, successes and much more.
What has been the most unique moment of your career?
The most unique moment of my career was probably my title in Tokyo. It was a difficult streak with some magnificent games.
What did so unique?
I played the first game to three sets. In the second, Matteo [Berrettini] He retired. But then against Ben [Shelton]contra Holger [Rune] and against Ugo [Humbert]They were much more than two hours. It was very hard, physically and in general. And it is a great memory to have been ready to fight for so long.
What is the greatest number or the greatest achievement you pursue?
What I pursue is to be able to compete one day in the last rounds of the Grand Slams and be at the top of the [PIF ATP] Rankings.
And how long are you being chasing it?
Since I am young. I think so since I was five years old, when I started playing tennis.
What is your favorite tournament and why?
Probably Indian Wells. It is one of the quietest tournaments. We can play football, tennis, without much noise. Everything is very quiet and beautiful.
What has been the best experience outside the track you have had as a professional player?
My vacations are always great. We went with Gio [Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard al final de la temporada]. But, otherwise, I love going to see some football match or fashion week. That is a bit different.
What is your favorite tennis rivalry?
My favorite tennis rivalry was Roger against Rafa, because I saw many games, especially one when Roger returned in Australia.
Who is your biggest rival?
My greatest rival, for now … I’m still young on the tour, but I would say Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
What makes it so difficult to play?
When I arrived at the tour, I faced it in the first tournament in Roland Garros and beat me. Then we went to Wimbledon, two months later. He beat me in the first round. It was not easy to play against him. And now we go 2-2, and it is always a pleasure to play against him.
Special report:
What has been your greatest success?
I would say that Tokyo or Lyon, because it was my most important title.
What has been the greatest difficulty you have had to overcome?
I think that for an athlete it is always the same, whether you are a tennis player, footballer or whatever. It is the injury, always terrible for an athlete, there is nothing you can do. You can simply make some rehabilitation and wait a little more. So I think that’s the worst.
Was there any particular injury that you had to overcome and that was particularly difficult?
As a young man, I broke some vertebrae. Yes, well, I think it was the most difficult.
Source: https://www.atptour.com/es/news/fils-it-all-adds-up-feature
