Roland-Garros: "A defeat that will help me grow," assures Arthur Fils after his third-round elimination

Arthur Fils, a rising star in French tennis, described his third-round exit at Roland-Garros as a valuable learning experience, stating it's "a defeat that will help me grow." The young player, who trained with a Paris Saint-Germain jersey on Saturday morning to honor his favorite club, faced the press shortly after PSG secured their second consecutive European title. He characterized his match as a "big fight" where he managed to break his opponent late in the fourth set, but ultimately lost in a close tie-break.

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It was a big fight for me. I tried to stay in contact in the fourth set and it paid off, as I managed to break late in the set. Then, in the tie-break, everything was decided on details. Overall, I am really happy with the week I had and I want even more for the future.

Fils expressed significant satisfaction with his overall performance throughout the week. He noted his ability to compete in long matches and sustain physical exertion across multiple encounters. "Physically, I could hold on for long matches and string several matches together," he said. "It's certainly demanding to play at this level repeatedly, but with a few more matches like these, it will become easier." He is actively seeking ways to shorten matches or find solutions to win them when they extend, viewing the demanding schedule as a positive step in his development.

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I learned that, physically, I could hold on for long matches and string several matches together. It's certainly demanding to play at this level repeatedly, but with a few more matches like these, it will become easier.

A key positive for Fils was his physical resilience, particularly the absence of cramps during extended play. "I was satisfied because, during the matches, I almost didn't feel any cramps," he explained. "That was a big question at the start of the tournament: if I play matches of three hours or more, will my body hold up? The answer is yes." He believes the stress inherent in competition is beneficial, keeping him alert, even though he couldn't convert it into a victory on this occasion. "I think it's beneficial: it means you're doing things well and adrenaline keeps you awake," he added.

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I was satisfied because, during the matches, I almost didn't feel any cramps. That was a big question at the start of the tournament: if I play matches of three hours or more, will my body hold up? The answer is yes.

Reflecting on his mental game, Fils affirmed his long-held belief in his strong mentality. "I think I always knew I had a good mentality. I am someone who never gives up and can turn matches around," he stated, recalling instances from his youth. "I almost managed to do it today, it wasn't far off. But I know it's one of my weapons." He also cherished the electrifying atmosphere on Court Philippe-Chatrier, particularly the crowd's energy during a potential five-set match, which he wished to continue. "I really wanted to play another five-set match, especially feeling the crowd getting more and more fired up," he said. "I tried to capture that energy. Unfortunately, it didn't go all the way." Fils concluded by emphasizing his approach to defeat: "I'm not a sore loser, but a player who learns from mistakes and always seeks to bounce back to aim higher."

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I think I always knew I had a good mentality. I am someone who never gives up and can turn matches around, I’ve already done it many times in my youth... well, you understand me (laughs). I knew I could still do it here at Roland-Garros. I almost managed to do it today, it wasn't far off. But I know it's one of my weapons.