Arthur Fils claimed his first title since 2024 and fourth overall after defeating Andrey Rublev to win the Barcelona Open.
The Frenchman, who last captured a tour-level crown at the Japan Open two years ago, beat Rublev in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6.
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Fils was sidelined from July 2025 until February 2026 with a back injury he sustained at last year’s Roland Garros.
Since returning, the 21-year-old has been impressive, reaching the final in Doha, the semifinals in Indian Wells and now clinching the title in Barcelona.
After their clash in the championship match, Rublev had high praise for his conqueror, Fils.
Andrey Rublev’s message to Arthur Fils after the Barcelona final
Speaking in his runner-up speech, Rublev said: “Big congrats to Arthur. To your team. To your family.
“The way you’re playing is ridiculous. The level you played today and overall the last couple of years, you proved that you’re one of the best players on tour.
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“Being out for half a year and playing at that level again is something unreal. I’m practicing every day and I’m not at that level.
“I’m really happy for you. You deserve it 100%,” concluded Rublev, who last won a title at the Qatar Open in 2025.
Fils took a 2-1 lead in the head-to-head with Rublev, having beaten him in their previous bout at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters.
Arthur Fils’ points to defend for the rest of the clay swing
Fils’ ranking improved five places to 25th in the world following his triumph in Barcelona, and he’ll have the chance to go even higher during the clay swing.
His best chance at gaining points will come at the Madrid Open, where he suffered a second-round exit last year, meaning he will only be defending 10 ATP points.
Fils is protecting 100 at the Italian Open, having made the fourth round in Rome last season before falling to Alexander Zverev.
At Roland Garros in 2025, Fils only went as far as the third round due to a stress fracture in his back, marking the beginning of his injury struggles.
With an additional 100 points in Paris, Fils is defending just 210 for the rest of the clay season.
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