"Well it's just age... I mean, it's just a number": Youthful Fils joins elder statesman in France Davis Cup squad

Young French tennis star Arthur Fils believes that age is just a number after being selected in the team to participate in the Davis Cup.

The mega-event is set to begin in a few days’ time in Manchester where teams will go up against each other to secure the ultimate prize.

Fils was a surprising addition to the team full of veterans but the 19-year-old, while talking to the media ahead of the tournament, stated that age is just a number and is hoping to leave a big mark on the proceedings.

“It's amazing for me,” he said. “I mean, I'm watching Davis Cup since I'm young, so I really wanted to play it. I don't know if I'm going to play or not because it's the first time for me, but I will see [who the captain picks] and I will do my best.

“Well, it's just age… I mean, it’s just a number. We're all doing jokes and we understand everyone so it's okay. I’m the little brother [of the team], yeah, but I have a sparring partner here too, Arthur Cazaux, who is two years older than me, so it’s nice.”

Fils is coming on the back of a disappointing campaign during the ongoing US Open where he was knocked out from the second round after losing to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in a five-set thriller with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4.