PARIS — Rising French tennis star Arthur Fils made headlines at Roland Garros after his thrilling five-set victory, only to shun a primetime match in favor of competing in a rival tournament. The 19-year-old, who survived a dramatic third-round battle, opted to prioritize his preparation for the grass-court season over a marquee night session at the French Open.
Fils, ranked No. 34 in the world, edged out Russia's Pavel Kotov in a grueling 4-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 match that lasted over three hours. The victory marked his deepest run at a Grand Slam, but instead of celebrating under the lights of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Fils withdrew from the tournament to focus on the ATP 250 event in Stuttgart. "It was a tough decision, but I believe it's the right move for my career," Fils told reporters.
A Strategic Shift to Grass
Fils' decision surprised many, given the prestige of playing in front of a home crowd at Roland Garros. However, his team emphasized the importance of adapting to grass early, with Wimbledon just weeks away. "Arthur's game suits grass perfectly—his serve, his movement, his aggression. We want him to maximize his chances at Wimbledon," said coach Sébastien Grosjean.
The move reflects a growing trend among young players to prioritize scheduling based on surface preferences rather than tradition. Fils joins a list of players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have tailored their seasons to peak at specific majors. Key factors in Fils' decision:
- Limited grass-court events before Wimbledon (only two weeks between French Open and Wimbledon)
- Higher likelihood of ranking points in Stuttgart compared to a potential fourth-round exit in Paris
- A desire to avoid burnout after an intense clay season
The Thrilling Victory That Preceded the Withdrawal
Fils' match against Kotov was a rollercoaster, featuring:
- A 23-minute first-set tiebreak
- A dramatic fourth-set comeback from 1-4 down
- A controversial line call overturned by Hawk-Eye at 3-3 in the fifth
Fils admitted afterward, "I was cramping in the fifth set, but the crowd carried me through. It's the kind of match that makes you believe you belong at this level." The victory marked his third five-set win of the season, showcasing his resilience.
Reactions from the Tennis World
While some praised Fils' bold decision, others questioned the move. Former French Open champion Yannick Noah called it "a missed opportunity to inspire the next generation on home soil." In contrast, Andy Roddick tweeted support: "Smart move. Grass rewards preparation more than any surface."
What’s Next for Arthur Fils?
Fils will now shift focus to the BOSS Open in Stuttgart, where he’s seeded sixth. A strong showing could propel him into the top 30 ahead of Wimbledon. His team has also confirmed he’ll play at Queen’s Club, another key grass-court warm-up. "We’re building for the future, not just one match," Grosjean reiterated.
The French Open, meanwhile, replaced Fils' scheduled night match with a mixed doubles encounter. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo expressed understanding: "Arthur is a star we’ll see for years to come. While we’d have loved him here, we respect his long-term vision." Whether this gamble pays off will be clear when Wimbledon begins on July 1.