Arthur Fils Gains Momentum in Doha: Confidence, Physique Under Ivanisevic’s Guidance
Arthur Fils is making a strong comeback on the tennis circuit after an eight-month layoff due to a back injury. The young French player has recently showcased his skills at the ATP 500 in Doha, where he is on the path to potentially face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the finals. Fils’ journey reflects not only his resilience but also a renewed focus on fitness and technique.
Fils’ Return to Competition
Fils, ranked 40th in the world, made his competitive return at an ATP 250 event in Montpellier after a lengthy absence. His last outing prior to this comeback was at the Toronto Masters 1000, where he suffered an early exit due to his ongoing recovery needs. In Montpellier, despite a quarter-final defeat to Felix Auger-Aliassime, Fils showed promise.
Performance in Doha
In Doha, Fils has experienced a string of victories, including:
- Defeated Kamil Majchrzak: 6-7(5/7), 6-3, 6-4
- Defeated Quentin Halys: 6-1, 7-6(9/7)
- Defeated Jiri Lehecka: 6-3, 6-3
Fils expressed his surprise at his initial performance, stating, “I didn’t know I would play so well so quickly after my injury.” Despite remaining cautious about his form, he feels satisfied with his progress.
A Transformed Athlete
Off-court changes have significantly contributed to his performance. Fils has lost 6 to 7 kilograms through a partnership with a nutritionist, focusing on enhancing his physical condition. He emphasized the importance of optimizing his body as part of his tennis journey.
Guidance from Goran Ivanisevic
In a strategic move, Fils is now working alongside Goran Ivanisevic, the former coach of Novak Djokovic. This collaboration appears fruitful, as Fils noted, “He [Ivanisevic] gave me advice during the match against Lehecka that I was able to implement successfully.” Maintaining a strong relationship with his primary coach, Ivan Cinkus, Fils is driving forward with ambitious goals.
Upcoming Challenges
Before he can think about a potential final against Alcaraz, Fils must first overcome 20-year-old Jakub Mensik. The Czech player is considered a slight favorite due to their previous encounter in Miami, where Mensik prevailed. Success in Doha would not only boost Fils’ confidence but also solidify his position in the rankings as he prepares for upcoming tournaments.
Fils aims to enhance his consistency and effectiveness on the court. He recognizes that being mentally strong is just as crucial as physical readiness. With his sights set on Grand Slam titles, Arthur Fils is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming weeks on his journey back to the top of professional tennis.
