Arthur Fils makes major decision after devastating US Open collapse against Stefanos Tsitsipas
ATPTuesday, 08 September 2026 at 04:30
Arthur Fils will not represent France in the Davis Cup later this month, withdrawing from the team's trip to Canada just one week after suffering a disappointing first-round exit at the US Open. The French No. 1 had been selected by captain Paul-Henri Mathieu for the second round in Quebec, but has now decided that he needs more time before returning to competition.
The timing comes after a particularly frustrating end to what had appeared to be a breakthrough run in New York. Fils arrived at the US Open as the No. 10 seed and on a six-match winning streak after capturing his first Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati. He had also reached a career-high No. 11 in the rankings, but those expectations quickly disappeared when Stefanos Tsitsipas fought back to beat him 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4.
The defeat was particularly painful given how well Fils had started the match. The Frenchman led by a set and was serving at 5-3 in the second, only for Tsitsipas to turn the contest around and eventually complete a four-set victory.
It was Fils' first loss to the Greek after winning their previous five meetings, and it ended his hopes of building on the biggest title of his career in Cincinnati.
“It's never an easy decision to make”
Fils' decision to skip the Davis Cup appears to be about more than one disappointing result. The 22-year-old pointed to the physical difficulties he has experienced throughout the season and the need to avoid rushing back into competition, choosing instead to take stock with his team before returning to training and preparing for the final part of the year.
Fils announced his withdrawal on Instagram, making clear that representing France remains important to him but that he does not want to rush his return.
“Very disappointed to have to give up the Davis Cup," the world No. 11 wrote on social media. "After a complicated year physically and several periods of rest, I have to be cautious today. With my team, we have decided to take full stock before resuming training and preparing for the rest of the season."
"Representing France means a lot to me, so it's never an easy decision to make. I will obviously be behind the guys and the whole team. Go, Blues.”
🚨 OFFICIEL : FILS RENONCE À LA COUPE DAVIS ! 🇫🇷
— Univers Tennis 🎾 (@UniversTennis) September 7, 2026
Arthur Fils ne participera pas à la rencontre prévue les 18 et 19 septembre face au Canada. ❌
Après une année compliquée physiquement, le Français a décidé de « faire un bilan complet » avant de reprendre l’entraînement. pic.twitter.com/k4RfRV5Mvm
France will now have to replace its No. 1 player for a tie that carries significant consequences. Canada will host the French team in Quebec City on September 18-19, with Felix Auger-Aliassime leading the home side. Mathieu had initially selected Arthur Rinderknech, Quentin Halys and Pierre-Hugues Herbert alongside Fils, but two further players can now be added to the squad.
The stakes are particularly high because the seven winners of the Qualifiers 2nd Round will earn places at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna in November, joining Italy, who have won the competition in each of the last three editions. France are therefore losing their top-ranked player at a crucial moment in their bid to reach the season-ending stage.
Fils, meanwhile, will take a step back after a season in which physical problems have repeatedly interrupted his progress. His Cincinnati title showed just how high his level can be when healthy, but his withdrawal from the Davis Cup makes clear that, for now, the priority is ensuring he can stay on court for the remainder of the season.
Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 2
| Host | Visitor | Location | Best-ranked player — Host | Best-ranked player — Visitor | |
| 1 | Chile | Spain (1) | Estadio Nacional, Santiago | Alejandro Tabilo (No. 28) | Rafael Jodar (No. 13) |
| 2 | Germany (2) | Croatia (13) | heristo arena, Halle | Alexander Zverev (No. 2) | Marin Cilic (No. 81) |
| 3 | Great Britain (12) | Ecuador | Copper Box Arena, London | Arthur Fery (No. 33) | Alvaro Guillen Meza (No. 285) |
| 4 | Austria (11) | Belgium (4) | Vienna Athletic Sports Club, Vienna | Jurij Rodionov (No. 143) | Alexander Blockx (No. 34) |
| 5 | Korea, Rep. | India | Olympic Tennis Park, Seoul | Soonwoo Kwon (No. 150) | Sumit Nagal (No. 236) |
| 6 | Czechia (9) | USA (6) | O2 arena, Prague | Jakub Mensik (No. 18) | Ben Shelton (No. 9) |
| 7 | Canada (8) | France (7) | Centre Videotron, Quebec City | Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 4) |
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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