Arthur Fils is currently playing in the Next Gen
ATP Finals final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and has been heralded as the next player to join the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner and it seems
Rafael Nadal sees something in the French prodigy.
The 19-year-old revealed during his week in Jeddah that he had received a personal invitation to train with Rafael Nadal as he begins his comeback to the sport. Starting on 8th December, Fils will join the 22-time Grand Slam champion for a week-long training block in Kuwait.
"I'm going to give it my all" - Fils
It is also a block that will see where Nadal is compared to the rest of the tour with Fils being one of the fastest rising stars in recent times and also the news being confirmed of his return at the end of the year at the Brisbane International. It is one that the Frenchman is relishing.
“He very kindly invited me,” Fils told French sports newspaper L’Equipe.
“I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to try not to get too carried away on his forehands (smiles). I’m going to get the most out of it.” While enjoying an incredible Next Gen ATP Finals, he won his first ATP title at the Lyon Open in May as well as reaching semi-finals in Montpellier and the final in Antwerp at the European Open and his risen towards the top 30 in the world in merely a season.
It is also a chance to train with his idol as he previously revealed. “My idol was Roger, but the more we grow up, the more we appreciate watching Rafa play, his fighting spirit, his game.” It is also an interesting pick with Fils at the start of his career and Nadal not having played for nearly a year and reaching his twilight. But with Fils also having a fan-friendly style and one that will carry him far, it will likely benefit both.
