Arthur Fils’ sensational comeback from injury continued in Miami, although his quest for a first Masters 1000 title was sadly ended at the semifinal stage last night.
There, he was well beaten by an inspired Jiri Lehecka, who will now face Jannik Sinner for a shot at the crown.
The Czech star deserves plenty of praise for his run to the final, but it is Arthur Fils who is garnering far greater adulation, given that this marked yet another deep run in just his fifth tournament back from a lengthy lay-off.
It’s fair to say that, in their short time together, Goran Ivanisević has had a big impact on the Frenchman, even in his state of steady recovery as he returns to the tour.
Fils spoke about the Croatian after his semifinal, responding to a question which sought to find out whether their union was to become permanent.
Arthur Fils confirms coaching situation after Miami Open defeat
Chatting to the press, the 21-year-old was asked a two-part question, the second of which concerned Fils’ coaching plans going forward.
After all, whilst he has enjoyed great success on the hard courts of late, now attention must turn to clay as he gears up for a return to Roland Garros, the site of the back injury that kept him out for most of 2025.
Who are you backing to complete the sunshine double?
Or do you think both Sabalenka and Sinner will win the Miami Open?
Asked about whether Ivanisevic will continue alongside him as they enter the clay-court swing, Fils claimed: “The second question, if Goran is gonna come on the clay-court swing… I mean, so he is gonna come to Monaco, and we’re gonna practice, and Ivan’s gonna come back… I think in Rome, or I don’t exactly remember the schedule, but yeah, we’re gonna have a couple of weeks. I mean, I’m gonna have a couple of weeks with both of them.
“I’m gonna have some weeks with Goran, some weeks with Ivan, but yeah, everything is fine.”
Fils recently claimed he felt he was playing better tennis now than he was before the injury, and Ivanisevic’s instant influence has to be credited as a crucial factor in that.
Arthur Fils could challenge for a Grand Slam title this year
If Fils has proven anything over the last two months, it’s that he is ready to challenge for elite titles.
Now, it will be intriguing to see how he translates this fine form into Grand Slams, particularly as the next one will be in his home country.
A finalist in Qatar, a quarter-finalist at Indian Wells, and now a semi-finalist in Miami. These are exceptional results given he has played just five events since returning from injury.
However, at the Grand Slam level, he has only ever made it past the third round on one occasion.
It therefore might seem strange to suggest Fils is ready to compete for a major title, but given his current trajectory and the fact that he still has many months to improve before the next Grand Slam, it’d be unwise to bet against him.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
