Ivan Ljubicic defends FFT medical team after Arthur Fils and Lois Boisson criticism
Tennis NewsSaturday, 25 April 2026 at 20:00
The French Tennis Federation’s medical structure has come under renewed scrutiny following public comments from two of the country’s leading players, Arthur Fils and Loïs Boisson. Both raised concerns about injury management and diagnosis in recent months, prompting a firm response from Ivan Ljubicic, the federation’s head of high performance.
The issue has emerged at a sensitive stage of the season, with the clay swing underway and Roland Garros approaching. France’s top players are entering a crucial period in the calendar, increasing the relevance of any discussion surrounding fitness, recovery, and long-term physical management.
Fils and Boisson arrive at this debate from different competitive contexts. Fils is currently enjoying one of the strongest runs of his career, while Boisson is attempting to re-establish rhythm after an extended absence due to injury. Their shared criticism, however, has placed the federation’s medical processes under the spotlight.
Ljubicic, a former world No. 3 and now a central figure in French tennis development, has responded by defending the structure in clear terms, emphasising process, expertise, and institutional support rather than addressing individual medical cases.
Players’ concerns raise questions over diagnosis and management
The first wave of criticism came from Arthur Fils, who reflected on his recovery from a stress fracture in his back during the second half of 2025. Speaking in a video, he indicated that medical advice had underestimated the risks of continuing to compete, stating that “the doctor told me it couldn’t get worse,” while his father added that “the situation got worse, contrary to what was initially said.”
Fils has since returned to competition in strong form. The 20-year-old captured the ATP 500 title at the Barcelona Open, defeating Andrey Rublev in the final, and has extended his clay-court record to 6–0 this season. His results also include a final at the Qatar Open, semifinals at the Miami Open, and a quarterfinal run at Indian Wells, highlighting a rapid resurgence after his injury layoff.
Arthur Fils posing with his Barcelona Open trophy after defeating Andrey Rublev in the final 2026
The second case emerged from Loïs Boisson, who described a more complex situation involving her right arm injury. The Frenchwoman suggested that a series of medical issues delayed her recovery, citing both diagnostic and management shortcomings during the process.
“There were some small mistakes made on the medical side that made things more complicated. It was clearly a diagnostic error, an omission in the diagnosis, and then a management error […] As a result, I think it took me much longer than it should have. It somewhat aggravated the situation.”
Boisson’s competitive trajectory has been disrupted since her breakthrough in 2025. The French Open semifinalist, currently ranked No. 42 in the WTA standings, returned to action at the Madrid Open after a seven-month absence. She was eliminated in the first round, struggling to impose herself in a match where she was broken four times without creating a single break opportunity, although her physical condition appeared stable.
Since winning the Hamburg Open in July 2025, where she defeated Anna Bondar in the final, Boisson has played only four additional tournaments that season, compiling a 2–4 record before stepping away from competition until her recent return in Madrid.
Lois Boisson, the Hamburg champion.
Ljubicic defends process and structure amid criticism
Ljubicic addressed the situation directly when asked whether there is a problem within the federation’s medical system, rejecting the premise and emphasising confidence in the existing structure.
“No, absolutely not. I think exactly the opposite,” the former world No. 3 said to L’Equipe. “I don’t know the medical details and in any case I wouldn’t go into them. However, I know the processes, and in my opinion, it is difficult to imagine anything more professional than what we offer.”
His defence centres on a multi-layered approach to diagnosis and treatment, highlighting that medical decisions are not taken in isolation. He pointed to the role of Dr Vincent Guillard, who leads the federation’s medical unit, and the network of specialists involved in evaluating cases.
“The results of Loïs’s examinations were reviewed by around ten doctors, radiologists or surgeons. The doctor does not make decisions alone, he does not make diagnoses alone, he is far too professional for that. He is a manager who consults experts.”
Ljubicic also underlined continued investment in infrastructure, including advanced equipment such as a hyperbaric chamber, and referenced external validation of the system through its use by international athletes. He cited Novak Djokovic’s reliance on the medical team in 2024 as an example of its credibility at the highest level.
“We continue to invest in the structure, in terms of equipment, such as the acquisition of a hyperbaric chamber, and the level continues to rise. This is not an easy moment, but I hope the doctor feels that there is absolutely no doubt or problem on our side regarding how he operates. We saw how grateful Novak Djokovic was to him in 2024, when an urgent solution had to be found for his knee.”
He concluded by downplaying the broader implications of the criticism, framing it as a situational reaction rather than a structural issue, while reaffirming support for Boisson’s development and the federation’s overall approach.
“The current situation is not representative at all. I have no issue with Loïs, and I understand that she has gone through a difficult period," Ljubicic stated. "Perhaps she needed to let it out a bit after everything. It’s a bit unfortunate because nobody benefits from it and it can create tensions, which I obviously do not want.
"Our priority is to see Loïs competitive and fully fit. We will remain by her side to support her development. In any case, it was very important for us to reaffirm our full confidence in our medical staff.”
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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