Arthur Fils, an opportunity to completely revitalize his season in the week leading up to Roland Garros

© AFP

Guillaume Nonque

le 19/05/2024 à 11h30

2 min to read

Bordeaux Bruguera Fils Grosjean Martinez Roland Garros

Arthur Fils' start to the season has not been what he had hoped. Revealed to the world in 2023, the young Frenchman, now coached by the Sébastien Grosjean/Sergi Bruguera duo, was eagerly awaited this year. And so far, he seems to be struggling to live up to those expectations.

After a quarter in Hong Kong and an encouraging semi-final in Auckland in January, the 19-year-old has been unable to follow up his performances. Since then, he has lost 11 matches and won just 8 on the ATP Tour. His visit to the clay courts of Bordeaux this week for the highly competitive Chalenger BNP Paribas Primrose was therefore of the utmost importance.

Seeded No.1 in the draw, Fils made the most of the opportunity to date, as he will contest the tournament final this Sunday against Pedro Martinez. Against the Spaniard, seeded n°2, he will have the opportunity to get back on track and build up his confidence. A vital confidence boost with just one week to go before the start of the French Open.

All the more so as the Frenchman has opted not to defend his title next week in Lyon. The idea is to arrive on the Paris clay court fresher than last year, and to try for a better result (1st round defeat by Davidovich Fokina in 2023). The current world No. 38 (he'll be at least 33rd on Monday) seems confident he can do just that.

Arthur Fils (speaking to KP Sports): "Things are going really well with Séb (Grosjean) and Sergi (Bruguera). They're bringing me their wealth of experience, which is what I need right now. I'm really happy, we're working well, and it's going to pay off."