“If I’m sad, there is no way I can make it”: Arthur Fils details the mindset behind his comeback
ATPSunday, 23 August 2026 at 06:30
Arthur Fils has reached his first Masters 1000 final in Cincinnati, completing a breakthrough run that has moved him to No. 11 in the live rankings and within touching distance of the Top 10. After another season disrupted by injuries, the Frenchman is now one win away from his first Masters 1000 title and enters the final with the confidence that his recent progress is starting to translate on the biggest stages.
Fils has had to deal with physical setbacks throughout his career, including an injury that prevented him from playing Roland Garros and limited him to two matches at Wimbledon. Yet whenever he has been healthy, the Frenchman has continued to take positive steps forward. His run in Cincinnati represents another one, and comes after he set himself the goal of reaching the latter stages of the biggest tournaments.
“My goal since the start of the season was to try to go deep in those big tournaments," Fils said after reaching the final. "Like you said, to try to play on the biggest stadium. That's what we're doing here. I'm pretty happy with my performance today and with the whole week, but I still want to go further."
That mentality will now be tested against an American, with Brandon Nakashima and Frances Tiafoe contesting the other semifinal. Either opponent will bring the home crowd behind him, but Fils is not concerned about the atmosphere. Instead, he sees it as another opportunity to test the composure that has become one of the clearest improvements in his game.
Fils has learned to control his emotions
Fils has never lacked intensity on court, but he believes he no longer needs to constantly manufacture that energy himself. After reaching the semifinals in Miami earlier this season, he recognized how much energy he had spent celebrating and screaming after points.
His experience since then has helped him understand that deep runs require something different: remaining emotionally engaged without constantly pushing himself to the limit.
“I agree with you. I'm a bit less crazy. Miami was nice. I was in the semi, but I lost so much energy in this tournament," the 22-year-old player said in press conference. "I was screaming, come on, after every point. Now here it's completely different. When you start to do it a couple of times, those big runs, then you start to get a bit used to it.”
“You don't need anymore to go crazy, to pump yourself. I think I'm already enough pumped, especially with my team. They are very pumped, so I don't need to go that crazy anymore,” Fils added.
That change has come after a difficult period. Missing Roland Garros and seeing his Wimbledon campaign end after only two rounds was particularly frustrating because Fils felt he had built significant momentum after Miami.
“Of course it was tough to not play in France, in Paris (Roland Garros), to just play two rounds in Wimby. It was not easy," the Frenchman admitted. "I thought I was going to play a way better spring. With the momentum I had since Miami, I was feeling great, but you just got to take it. If something is happening for a purpose, it's okay.”
“If I'm positive, then I give myself a shot”
The Frenchman's ability to maintain that perspective has become an important part of his progress. Fils said he has learned that negativity leaves him with no chance of producing his best tennis, while staying positive at least gives him an opportunity. That approach has helped him move beyond the frustration of his injuries and focus on what he can control when he is physically ready to compete.
“If I'm sad, there is no way I can make it. If I'm positive, then I give myself a shot, at least. When I'm sad, if I'm crying into my bed, there is no way I can wake up and play some good tennis. If I'm going happy and blessed that now I'm able to play tennis, then after, it's working well. Yeah, very easy.”
His next challenge will come against an American, meaning the crowd is likely to favor his opponent. Fils, however, has already embraced that possibility and sees it as an extra source of motivation rather than a disadvantage. He also believes the Cincinnati atmosphere remains respectful, meaning he can enjoy the experience without allowing it to distract him.
“Of course. I think it's extra motivation. When the crowd is against you, I think it's extra motivation. It's something that some people like, some people don't. I think I like it. It's pretty cool, but here it's not a wild crowd. Even though they are cheering for me or for the opponent, it's still very respectful, so it's still okay.”
The Cincinnati final gives Fils another chance to turn the progress of the past year into a major result. A Masters 1000 title would push him even closer to the Top 10 before the US Open, where he will look to carry his best physical and mental form into another opportunity on the Grand Slam stage.
“I need to be honest with myself. Like a lot of big athletes are saying, when you have the courage enough to say it, then maybe the things are more easy to do. That's what I'm trying to do. Have some self-confidence, of course. I'm coming here, I know I'm prepared. I'm coming here, I'm trying to do my best. I'm trying to win.”
Arthur Fils — Cincinnati 2026 Run
| Round | Opponent | Opponent Rank | Score |
| R64 | Yannick Hanfmann | 55 | 7-6(5), 6-1 |
| R32 | Jiri Lehecka | 14 | 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-3 |
| R16 | Alex de Minaur | 8 | 6-3, 6-4 |
| QF | Thiago Agustin Tirante | 50 | 6-3, 6-2 |
| SF | Flavio Cobolli | 7 | 6-3, 6-4 |
| F | TBD | — | — |
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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