Eliminated from the group stage, Fils disappoints
He was the great favorite of this Next Gen Masters. Number one seed and 20ᵉ world player, Arthur Fils was expected to hold his own in Jeddah. However, he failed to do so.
First dominated by Joao Fonseca on the first day (3-4, 4-2, 4-1, 1-4, 4-1), he lost again this Friday to an excellent Learner Tien (4-2, 4-2, 3-4, 4-3).
Having conceded one defeat too many, the Tricolore will now miss out on the semi-finals. Beaten by two players outside the world's top 100 in the group phase, the 20-year-old prodigy's counter-performance is complete.
Having arrived with the logical ambition of winning the title, Fils will have to get his act together quickly if he is to maintain his progress in 2025.
For his part, Tien had a bluffing tournament and will face Alex Michelsen (41st) for a place in the final.
