“Anyone who has some tennis sense sees him as a future superstar”: Boris Becker puts Arthur Fils in Sinner-Alcaraz category

Monday, 31 August 2026 at 02:30

boris becker at the 2024 paris summer olympics

Boris Becker has placed Arthur Fils in the same category as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, calling the 22-year-old Frenchman a future superstar as he arrives at the US Open after the biggest title of his career. Becker's verdict comes at a particularly interesting moment for Fils, who has transformed his season with a Masters 1000 breakthrough in Cincinnati.

Fils defeated Frances Tiafoe in the Cincinnati Open final to capture his first Masters 1000 title, the most important trophy of his career so far. The result has taken him to No. 11 in the ATP rankings and into the top 10 of the live rankings, while he currently sits fifth in the Race to Turin despite having played significantly fewer tournaments than many of his rivals.

The Frenchman has had to overcome a difficult period physically to reach this point. He missed two Grand Slam tournaments this season because of injury problems and was also sidelined for six months last year with a back injury. Now looking healthy again, Fils has produced his strongest stretch of results at exactly the right time.

The US Open could provide another opportunity. Sinner is absent, Alcaraz has only recently returned from a wrist injury and Djokovic arrives at 39 with questions over his physical condition. With several of the biggest names facing uncertainty, Fils is among the younger contenders capable of exploiting an unusually open draw and making a deep run.

Becker sees Fils alongside Sinner and Alcaraz

Becker's assessment goes well beyond the usual praise given to an emerging player. The six-time Grand Slam champion believes Fils already possesses the qualities required to sit alongside the two dominant names of the younger generation.

“Anyone who has some tennis sense sees him as a future superstar, on the same level as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. For me, he’s so strong that he belongs in that category despite having had physical problems,” Becker said on the Becker-Petkovic podcast.

Arthur Fils holds the Cincinnati Open trophy - his first Masters 1000 title.

Arthur Fils won the 2026 Cincinnati Open after beating Frances Tiafoe in the final.

Those physical setbacks are an important part of Fils' story. After his six-month absence with a back problem, the Frenchman has gradually rebuilt his level, and Becker believes his recent results show that he is moving back towards his best.

“Last year he had a back problem and was out for half a year," Becker said. "It’s obvious that he’s getting back to his best. There will still be setbacks, and that’s normal."

The former world No. 1 also highlighted the consistency Fils showed during the North American hard-court swing before his Cincinnati triumph. “He played wonderfully in Washington and Canada, and now he has won the title in Cincinnati. Currently he’s fifth in the Race to Turin, despite having played very few tournaments.”

That is perhaps one of the most striking aspects of Fils' rise. His position in the Race has been built despite the time lost to injury, giving him a strong platform heading into the final Grand Slam of the season.

Fils now has the stage to prove Becker right

Fils' Cincinnati title also came after he had publicly responded to criticism in France. After beating Tiafoe, he wrote “Who’s gonna talk now?” on the camera, a message aimed at those who had questioned his level during his difficult periods.

Becker clearly believes the criticism has been misplaced, particularly given Fils' combination of talent and personality. “Who will be the next Frenchman to even come close? I don’t know. I don’t understand the French. If I have such a talented and charismatic guy, who plays incredible shots, who has good presence, then I’ll have him in the palm of my hand and look for every possible reason to support him.”

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The German then turned his defence of Fils into a joke that underlined just how highly he rates him. “But if the French don’t want him, I think I can speak on behalf of German tennis when I say we’ll get him a German passport next week.”

For Fils, the next test is significantly bigger. Cincinnati proved that he can sustain an elite level long enough to win a Masters 1000 title; New York will determine whether he can reproduce that level over two weeks at a Grand Slam. At 22, with his ranking rising, his physical problems seemingly behind him and the men's field unusually open, Fils has a genuine opportunity to turn Becker's prediction into something more than praise.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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