For his return in Toronto, Fils falls in the third round against Lehecka

Arthur Fils will not reach the round of 16 at the Toronto Masters 1000.

Returning this week in Toronto after his back injury sustained during Roland-Garros, the French No. 1 had a successful debut against Pablo Carreno Busta (6-3, 6-4). For a spot in the round of 16, Fils faced world No. 27 Jiri Lehecka.

The start of the match was solid from the Frenchman, with a break at 2-1 to take control on the scoreboard. The second set, tightly contested, swung in Lehecka’s favor as the Czech secured his first break of the match at 4-3.

Though the battle continued with the same intensity in the third set, Fils ultimately succumbed to his opponent’s powerful game. Another break conceded at 3-3 sealed his fate, with Lehecka holding firm on his final two service games to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 after nearly two hours of play.

Advancing to the round of 16 in Toronto for the first time in his career, Lehecka will face Taylor Fritz or Gabriel Diallo. Meanwhile, Fils will head to the United States for the Cincinnati tournament, where he will continue his gradual return to competitive rhythm.