Arthur Fils caused some concern after withdrawing from the Monte Carlo Masters.
Fils has struggled with a back injury over the past year, which prevented him from playing more than two matches in nine months.
The Frenchman has returned to the ATP Tour in style after coming back in February, with Fils reaching the Miami Open semifinal, Indian Wells quarterfinal and the Qatar Open final.
However, after reaching the semifinals in Miami, Fils announced his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters and he has now explained his reason for doing so.
Arthur Fils says ‘everything is perfect’ after pulling out of the Monte Carlo Masters
Fils is currently in Barcelona for his next tournament, where he was asked about his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters.
The world number 30 explained that his decision was based on the short turnaround he would have had after reaching the Miami Open semifinals, with Fils visiting the doctor during this time.
“I played great in general in Miami. After the semi in Miami we decided that maybe it was better to skip Monte Carlo to get ready fully for the clay season,” Fils told Tennis TV. “You know I had only two, three days to get ready for Monte Carlo, so there was no chance for me to play.
“I had to go to Munich to see the doctor to see that everything is perfect and to go back, so yeah we just said maybe it’s better to take time. Take one week off and practice for 10 days, 10 days of intense practice to be ready to play here.”
When asked a follow-up question about his doctor’s visit in Munich, Fils confirmed that everything was as it should be.
Fils answered, “Everything is perfect.”
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Arthur Fils reveals what Goran Ivanisevic has been helping him work on in his game
One of the key features of Fils’ comeback has been his new coaching relationship with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, who has joined his team alongside his main coach, Ivan Cinkus.
When speaking about what he has been working on since the Miami Open, Fils revealed that he has been working on adding more variety to his game, something that has been influenced by Ivanisevic.
“You know, on clay I can still use my forehand and everything, but I’m trying to go a bit more to the net,” said Fils. “Trying to use the serve and volley, trying to use the drop shots, because everyone is waiting for me for the big forehand.
“So if I can start to mix and change my pattern then it will be very interesting for me…We [Fils and Ivanisevic] talk a lot about it (laughs).”
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Fils was then asked another question about his relationship with Ivanisevic, as he relayed the funny comment that his coach said to him about a drop shot he hit when practicing.
“It’s very fun to work with him,” Fils said of Ivanisevic. “He has a lot of advice to give me, but always in a good way, in a positive way and a funny way.
“Today was funny, I missed some drop shots and he said ‘The problem is not that you missed, it’s how ugly the drop shot was!’ (laughs). So we make fun of the mistake and we are not complaining and screaming, so it’s pretty nice.”
Fils will look to put Ivanisevic’s advice to practice at the Barcelona Open, where he is the ninth seed.
The 21-year-old will play his compatriot Terence Atmane in the first round, who Fils has never played before.
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