For what appears to be an up-for-grabs U.S. Open title on the immediate horizon, count Arthur Fils among the top favorites following his recent exploits on this North American hard-court swing.
But the U.S. Open can wait. For at least a couple of days, Fils can celebrate the biggest title of his career.
The 22-year-old triumphed at the Cincinnati Open on Sunday afternoon, getting the best of a roller-coaster ride with Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0. With quite an unusual scoreline, it was a lightning-quick three-setter at one hour and 28 minutes, resulting in Fils’ first-ever Masters 1000 trophy.
Fils, who was also a quarterfinalist at the Montreal Masters, is now 5-2 lifetime in ATP finals. He was won two 500-point titles (Tokyo in 2024 and Barcelona in 2025). The Frenchman will climb to No. 11 in the world on Monday.
“That feels good,” Fils commented. “A lot of training, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of injuries…. To be able to win a title like this, it means a lot to me…. I started very strong; in the second set I lost a little bit of focus. I had a small talk with [myself], a look at myself in the mirror…. I don’t have any words to describe (it). It feels so good — a little bit of relief, as well.”
Tiafoe falls to 4-9 all time in ATP finals. The 28-year-old American is now a two-time runner-up in Cincinnati, having lost the 2024 final against Jannik Sinner. He was a question mark to even play this tournament after having cyst removed from his right hand two weeks ago.
“I want to congratulate Arthur,” Tiafoe said during the trophy ceremony. “Hell of a week, brother…. It’s been a hell of a week (for me). Obviously I didn’t even think I was going to play. To make the final, we take that.”
nice one, Fils
and congratulations to me for picking Fils before the tournament started
Good confidence boosting Win for Fils. BTW what an ugly looking trophy 🙄. Looks more like a vase to be honest.
Cincy has always been a vase
Fils among the real contenders in NYC
I Know it has always been a vase Federer won quite a few of these, but can’t they change it to something better.
One place does these antler type trophies but I can’t remember where that is traditional.
Hmmm. I wonder if anyone uses their vases as actual vases.
I just had a good look at the vase. It looks kinda like a cross between an Alpenhorn and a large beer stein so might have practical uses besides flower display. Interesting paint job too. And Fils looks pretty happy with it.
This US Open is going to be the most wide Open major since early 2000s. In 2001 we had 8 different finalists at the majors and same thing happened in 2002 as well. Incredible how quickly things can change when One of the 2 dominant players is injured and there is a huge question mark about the fitness/ form of the other.
I am of the unpopular opinion that this wide-open scenario and the slew of young promising upcoming players who look like they can challenge current top players is better for tennis than a boring neverending duopoly. I can’t wait to see the US Open draw.✨
Only time will Whether anyone is good enough to challenge Sin-Caraz. Fils looks promising nonetheless.
I like it when it’s wide open…more contenders, more drama, more uncertainty!!!