What a way to celebrate his return! Away from the field since August due to a stress fracture in his back, Arthur Fils returned to competition this Tuesday, during the first round of the Open d’Occitanie in Montpellier (Hérault). The Frenchman defeated his compatriot Valentin Royer after a fierce duel (7-6 [7]6-7 [4]6-2).
The two men engaged in a real standoff throughout the match, starting with the first set concluded by a superb comeback from Arthur Fils in the tie-break even though he was trailing 4 points to 1. A first victory for the 21-year-old young man, who is already celebrating in front of the public with his angry fist.
In a second set that was even more contested, Arthur Fils and Valentin Royer once again went to the tie-break. Solid, the native of Courcouronnes (Essonne) never stopped using his powerful forehand to try to make his opponent crack. But, full of resources, Voyer ended up dominating Fils to return to his level on the scoreboard.
“He made me run a lot”
Everything will then be decided in a third set which promises to be intense. Yet clearly lacking rhythm, Arthur Fils demonstrates that he has not been idle during his six months off and leaves absolutely no chance to his opponent (6-2). After greeting his clan, the Frenchman took advantage of the moment, arms in the air in the middle of the Montpellier Arena.
“It was a difficult match against an excellent opponent,” he analyzed after the match. He kept me under pressure, he made me run a lot… My legs feel it now! I’m really happy to have won, it’s been a long time since I was away from the pitch, far from this atmosphere. Thank you to the public for being there. »
After falling to 40th in the world during his long period of absence, Arthur Fils made a perfect comeback and resumed his march forward. The French hope will face the Italian Andrea Vavassori or the French Ugo Blanchet in the round of 16.
