Arthur Fils won the biggest title of his young career on Sunday after “a crazy week” at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, thanks to a 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 success against Frances Tiafoe which “means a lot” for the Frenchman.
“Wow, that feels good, really good,” said the tricolor, trophy in his arms.
“It represents a lot of training, a lot of things, a lot of sacrifices (…), winning a title like this means a lot to me,” added the 22-year-old right-hander, who was kept away from the courts by his hip for a good part of 2025.
“I started the first set very well”, but “in the second set, I lost my concentration a little, he put me under pressure”, he analyzed.
“I looked at myself in the mirror and said to myself: ‘If you lose, you can’t do worse than that. You have to fight!+”
He also praised the American Frances Tiafoe: “It’s great to be here, to play a final against you. You know, when I was young, I watched you a lot on TV. You were one of those who made me want to turn on the TV. I’m really happy to see you back at this level, and I hope we’ll have other great battles.”
And he had a word for those close to him: “I also thank my team. Guys, it was amazing! I can’t find any other words than thank you, thank you very much guys”, emotionally thanking his father and his family, “remaining in Europe”.
Coco Gauff knocks out Jessica Pegula
Coco Gauff is preparing as best as possible for the US Open: the American beat her compatriot Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday to win the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, her first title of the season.
The world number 4 won the tournament in Ohio for the second time after 2023, the year she won her first Grand Slam title, in New York.
Gauff will arrive with full confidence at the US Open in a week, after a tournament where she impressed, like her victory on Sunday in 1h15 against the 3rd in the world.
“I don’t like seeing you on the other side of the court,” joked Coco Gauff after the match, used to playing alongside Jessica Pegula in women’s doubles, the duo having reached world number one together.
“When I made my debut on the circuit, Jess was one of the few players who was kind to me, and that always meant a lot to me and my family,” said the 22-year-old winner about the one who is ten years her senior.
Pegula returned the favor, saying with a smile, “I don’t think I was bad, you were just better.”
The 32-year-old American, who is having a very good season, eliminated the title holder Iga Swiatek the day before after a marathon meeting of 2h47, and was unable to respond to the aggressiveness of Coco Gauff.
She was intractable, especially in the first set, twice taking her opponent’s service.
After 35 minutes of play, Gauff did not let up and continued to knock out Pegula, exhausted by a long tournament where she played three matches in three sets.
Gauff was able to clench his fist after a more tense end to the match and some great rallies, concluding this 100% American final, a first in Cincinnati since 1970, when Rosie Casals beat Nancy Richey.
