Fils Reaches ATP 500 Barcelona Final, Eyes Roland-Garros Next Month
Arthur Fils beat Rafael Jodar 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the Barcelona semi on April 18, 2026. He now meets Andrey Rublev, world No.15, in Sunday’s ATP 500 Barcelona final.
The 21-year-old Frenchman chases a fourth career title and a third at the ATP 500 level. His last trophy came in Tokyo in 2024 before a long layoff for a back injury.
Road to the final
- Opening match: Fils saved two match points against Terence Atmane, ranked 41st.
- Second match: He defeated Brandon Nakashima, world No.33, 6-2, 6-3.
- Quarterfinals: Fils beat Lorenzo Musetti, seed No.2 and world No.9, 6-3, 6-4.
- Semifinal: He overcame Rafael Jodar, ranked 55th, in three sets to advance.
Semifinal details
Jodar, 19, had won in Marrakech and earlier beat Cameron Norrie. The Spaniard began strongly and took the first set.
Fils adapted after a slow start. He converted break chances to force a decider and dominated the third set.
He earned the 100th win of his career with that victory. The match featured a low first-serve rate for Fils, but heavy forehands and long rallies proved decisive.
Rematch and context
Fils previously beat Rublev on clay in Monte-Carlo last year, winning 6-2, 6-3. The pair have a recent competitive history.
Fils missed months after suffering a back injury at Roland-Garros in 2025. That injury forced him to withdraw before a planned third-round meeting with Rublev.
He told Eurosport that winning a title carries special weight. He also acknowledged Rublev’s quality and expected a tough final.
With the Barcelona title within reach, Fils also has Roland-Garros next month in his sights. Filmogaz.com will follow his final and the clay-court build-up closely.
