"She will be missed on the court," Fils pays tribute to Garcia

Early Friday morning, Caroline Garcia, 31, announced that she will be retiring in the coming weeks, and that this Roland-Garros tournament will be her last appearance at Porte d'Auteuil. The Frenchwoman will play her first round against Bernarda Pera.

During the traditional pre-tournament press conference, Arthur Fils was asked about his compatriot's retirement. Surprised, he was not aware of the announcement but took the opportunity to say some kind words about the former world No. 4, who won the WTA Finals in 2022.

"I wasn't aware. She's undoubtedly a great champion. It surprises me; I would have thought she would play for a few more years. Perhaps she has other goals. She will be missed on the court and at tournaments as well.

She's a top girl. She's a bit older than me, we're not necessarily from the same generation, I didn't grow up with her. But every time we meet, it's always cool.

I wish her a great Roland and a lot of good things for her last tournaments," assured Fils, who will be starting his tournament against Nicolas Jarry in the coming days.