“I would never have imagined this”: Arthur Fils makes honest admission about ATP Finals dream

Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 04:30

Arthur Fils is moving closer to a potential debut at the ATP Finals after reaching the semifinals of the European Open Brussels, but the Frenchman admits that he never expected to find himself in contention for one of the biggest prizes in tennis at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old defeated Alex Michelsen 6-4, 7-6(12) on Friday, October 23, in a match that featured a dramatic 26-point tiebreak. The victory was Fils’ first appearance of the week after receiving a first-round bye and advancing through the second round following Jaume Munar’s withdrawal.

The result carried significant implications beyond Brussels. Fils collected 50 points in the ATP Race to Turin, moving past Frances Tiafoe into seventh place as he pursues one of the eight qualifying spots for the season-ending tournament. He has now reached six ATP Tour semifinals in 2026 and 16 across his career.

However, his progress was far from straightforward against Michelsen, who entered the quarterfinal with two matches already under his belt. After taking the opening set and moving within a game of victory in the second, Fils was broken while serving for the match at 5-4. He eventually converted his sixth match point to secure the win without needing a deciding set.

Fils reflects on unexpected ATP Finals opportunity

With his place in the semifinals secured, Fils was asked about the prospect of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. Rather than dismissing the possibility, the Frenchman acknowledged that the race is on his mind, even as he tries to keep his attention on his performances.

“It would be a lie to say it wasn’t on my mind at all. But I’m trying to look at it a little differently. The fact that I’m in this race is still something very positive.”

Fils then explained just how unexpected his current position would have seemed at the start of the season. “I would never have imagined this at the beginning of the year, when I was ranked 40th," he said. "Making it to the Masters at the end of the year is something that doesn’t happen very often, I think.”

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

The opportunity has brought pressure, but Fils is also trying to appreciate the experience as an important step in his career.

“There’s a bit of tension, but it’s quite fun. It feels good. Even for my career and my future, these are situations I’m going to experience again. So it’s good to have this first experience.”

With the qualifying race entering its decisive stage, the Frenchman is aware of the importance of his results. Nevertheless, he is determined not to let the rankings dictate his approach to the remaining matches.

“I’m trying to focus solely on my game, take it match by match, and not look too much at the points or the rankings.”

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Six days of practice before his first match in Brussels

Fils’ unusual schedule in Belgium meant he had to wait until Friday to play his opening match. As the top seed, he received a bye in the first round before Munar’s withdrawal sent him directly into the quarterfinals.

Although that gave him a place in the last eight without playing, the extended wait presented a different challenge: maintaining his rhythm while preparing for an opponent who had already competed twice. “That had never happened to me before. Well, it happens at Masters 1000 tournaments when we arrive well in advance to practise. But it definitely feels strange.”

The lack of match practice became apparent against Michelsen, particularly during the early stages. Fils had to find his rhythm against an opponent who was already accustomed to the tournament’s conditions.

“I was playing against a very good opponent who had more matches under his belt. I arrived without much of a feel for things. On top of that, he started well and I didn’t, so you start asking yourself quite a few questions at that point.”

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Despite the difficult start and the tension of the final tiebreak, Fils was ultimately able to turn his delayed start into a semifinal appearance. “It’s a good experience. In the end, I play one match and I’m in the semifinals, so it’s not such a bad thing either.”

The victory leaves Fils two wins away from the Brussels title and strengthens his position in the race for Turin. With a place in the ATP Finals still to be decided, his immediate priority remains advancing one match at a time rather than looking too far ahead.

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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