Saving match points to reach his first Masters semifinal, a stronger Fils rises from injury!

On March 26 Beijing time, in the final match at the center court of the ATP1000 Miami Masters, French 28th seed Fils delivered a cold shower to the home crowd. Trailing 2-6 in the decisive tiebreak, he saved four consecutive match points and ultimately snatched the semifinal ticket from local favorite Paul with a score of 6-7(3)/7-6(4)/7-6(6).

Fils (Photo: Li Jianyi)

This marks Fils' first career Masters semifinal appearance. Though it arrived suddenly, he was evidently ready for this moment. Since returning from injury in February this year, Fils has achieved a 13-4 record, reaching the final in Doha, the semifinals in Miami, and the quarterfinals in Indian Wells and Montpellier.

From makeshift courts to the ATP Tour

Fils grew up in Bondoufle, a suburb east of Paris. Starting at age five, he learned tennis from his father, a former professional basketball player of Haitian origin who became his first tennis mentor. Recalling childhood, Fils said: "That court was the worst surface I've ever played on, but it holds the most precious memories with my father. We played every weekend, about six or seven hours each time, eating lunch by the court."

That makeshift court in the Paris suburbs carried his tennis dreams, launching his journey: "We bought and set up the net ourselves. The lines were faded, and the ball bounce was always strange. I can't say I enjoyed it much then, but looking back, that experience helped me enormously."

At age 12, Fils joined the French Tennis Federation for training, a key base for developing top junior players in France. His idols Tsonga, Monfils, and Gasquet all grew from these grounds into top-tier players. With his parents' support, his skills refined and quickly translated into excellent performances on court.

As a junior, 16-year-old Fils won the Orange Bowl U18 boys' singles title. In 2021, he reached both finals at Roland Garros junior events, claiming the doubles championship and singles runner-up. These achievements propelled his junior ranking to world No. 3. After honing his skills in Challenger tournaments, Fils made a vibrant French breakthrough on the ATP Tour—winning his first career title (2023 ATP Lyon) in his fifth Tour-level event.

Advancing rapidly yet knowing to progress step by step

Despite securing his first title early, Fils' ascent didn't stop there. In 2023, he grabbed two crucial Top 10 victories over Ruud and Tsitsipas and reached the final at the ATP Next Gen Finals; rising to Top 50 within three months earned him the ATP Tour Newcomer of the Year award.

In 2024, Fils reached the second week of Wimbledon for the first time; after winning back-to-back ATP 500 titles in Hamburg and Tokyo, his ranking broke into the Top 20. His stunning title efficiency and "rocket-like" ranking rise again amazed the tennis world.

Fils (Photo: Li Jianyi)

Early last season, Fils continued his unstoppable momentum, reaching quarterfinals at Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo consecutively, peaking at No. 14. However, a pre-Roland Garros injury forced him to pause his soaring progress...

"I knew I was injured before arriving at Roland Garros." Fils reflected on his decision to play injured at home: "It was a decision with my team, but I insisted strongly on playing. I was in good form and really wanted to compete. With more experience, I would have skipped the event."

The injury was diagnosed as a lumbar stress fracture. Throughout the second half of 2025, he only played the Toronto Masters. He planned a Chinese exhibition match to test his comeback but ultimately didn't participate.

Fils interacting with Zheng Qinwen at 2025 Roland Garros (Photo: Li Jianyi)

"Honestly, the hardest part of injury is psychological, not the pain itself. For a while, I stopped watching tennis because I wanted to be on court. Watching others play while you can't is more painful. That period was really tough and somewhat lonely," Fils said in an interview.

Learning from Roland Garros, Fils now takes a longer-term view. He and his team resisted rushing back, sticking to a cautious, gradual recovery plan. "We had to proceed slowly, first strengthening in the gym, then gradually returning to court. We were very careful because the back is crucial; nothing can be rushed."

After reaching the final in Doha in his second comeback event, Fils withdrew from Dubai immediately. He explained it was precautionary: "Recovery already took eight long months. Playing recklessly now would be foolish; I don't want to start over. We skipped just for prevention." This decision to prepare for the "Sunshine Double" paid off: Fils perfectly defended his quarterfinal points from both events last year and advanced further in Miami.

Humble origins, thus maintaining authenticity

"Life is beautiful now, everything goes well. But coming from humble beginnings, I must stay modest, grateful to my parents, family, and heaven." Raised with parental love, Fils always displays sincere authenticity on and off court.

As his opponent's shot landed in the net, Fils saved the match point, pulled his shirt over his head, and collapsed onto the Hard Rock Stadium grass embracing his team. Infectious emotion poured from this 21-year-old Frenchman. "Sometimes I get angry on court, sometimes extremely happy. I shout, release emotions freely—that's part of my character. Joy naturally surges when I win."

Fils reaches his first Masters semifinal (Photo: Visual China)

"As a kid, I'd say 'I'll win many Grand Slams, become world No. 1.' Now I realize how unrealistic those words were. I was talking big because this path is incredibly tough!" Fils admitted, "But deep down, a voice always hopes I can become one of tennis' top players, so I strive daily, giving everything."

In the first two months of his full comeback, Fils' results shine brightly, and undoubtedly this is just the beginning. "As for the final outcome, whether I'm good enough, time will tell. I just want to give all I have and, by career's end, win substantial championships."

（Text, Editor: Dato）