Everything is accelerating for Arthur Son. Victorious of the Orange Bowl in December, moved back to 13th in the world in the new junior rankings, the Frenchman is currently testing the professional circuit on $ 15,000. And he learns quickly. Beaten last week in the first round in Antalya, the Essonnian paid the American this Wednesday Tony Kodat, 908th in the world and above all winner of the previous stage on Turkish clay. An XXL feat concluded after 2h17 of combat (3-6, 6-2, 7-5). Without ATP point so far, Arthur Fils will have his first ranking on January 25th. What a rise and what promises! But he does not intend to stop there. He faces this Thursday in the round of 16 the Argentine Pedro Cachin, who had beaten him last week on the same facilities.
Arthur Fils, back from the Americas at Tennis Actu’s microphone
Tennis News had questioned him a month ago. He had responded with great modesty, determination and even lucidity. Arthur Son : a new name to remember!
“Just because guys like Thiem, Federer … won the Orange Bowl doesn’t mean I’m going to be a pro!”
So Arthur, you just won the Orange Bowl, one of the most prestigious junior tournaments. Tell us a bit about your American adventure?
We arrived in the United States two weeks ago to get used to the conditions. For me it went well. The first game was the most complicated because I had to save a match point. It was the click. I was like, “If you can win by saving match points, you can win every game.” It gave me a lot of confidence and I surfed on it to see it through.
You are part of a track record where we find names like Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick or even Jim Courier… What does it matter?
I tell myself that it’s pretty good but we shouldn’t stop at that. Just because guys like Thiem won it doesn’t mean I’m going to be a pro. There are also a lot of guys who won it and failed to break through. I will try not to be one of those players. I must not dwell too much on this title and stay focused.
You experienced very good emotions but you also carried out a very good operation. You are 44e world in juniors now, you will grab places when the 2002 will no longer be classified. I imagine that will give you great ambitions in 2021?
Of course ! Without the 2002s, I will finish 13e or 14e. If the Grand Slams are won, I will be seeded. It won’t be easier but I might get a 2e less difficult tour. The goal doesn’t change, my goal is still to win a Junior Grand Slam.
You played two tournaments with the pros, only qualifiers. Can we expect to see you take your first big steps with the pros in 2021?
With a good Junior ranking, it gives places among the pros. The Orange Bowl allowed me to have these places so I think that in 2021 I will be able to be more among the pros.
166th in the world @ITFTennis juniors, Arthur Fils, 16, did not hesitate to take the title at the Orange Bowl by beating the seed 1 in the final! “I came here thinking I could win. Otherwise there was no point in coming. ” https://t.co/T77sqdQ4Qp pic.twitter.com/zsFXAOjPsW
— FFT (@FFTennis) December 13, 2020
“Roger Federer didn’t stop after winning the Orange Bowl”
For those who don’t know you, how would you describe yourself? As a player and in everyday life.
I’m a pretty aggressive player, I play a lot with my forehand. My goal is to serve well and turn around my backhand to play a forehand. In everyday life I’m a pretty normal guy (laughs). I don’t go to school anymore, I take correspondence courses. I often come back to see my family who live in 91, in Saint-Michel sur Orge. I have been at CNE for a year. I train with Jérôme Potier and Pierre Mazenq.
And what are your inspirations?
Roger Federer ! I have always liked his playing and the class he exudes. Nadal too, he fights all the time and never lets go.
I imagine winning the Orange Bowl was also special because Roger Federer won it before you? (Editor’s note: in 1998)
It’s always nice! To think that I may be in his footsteps is good. But, I have to stay humble and focused. He didn’t stop after winning the Orange Bowl.
How is it going in a tournament like the Orange Bowl? Is there a form of competition between all the young talents even off the court? Or is the atmosphere just good and the competitive spirit only appears on the court?
No no ! We leave as a group. Between French people, there is no competition. If we compete, that’s the competition but we all get along well. With foreigners, it’s different. We feel a little more in competition even outside the tournament.
Frenchman Arthur Fils impressive at the 2020 Orange Bowl, taking the B18 title. pic.twitter.com/kBmFpECwU2
— Tennis Analytics (@TennisAnalytics) December 13, 2020
“I would like to win a $ 15,000 at the start of 2021 and maybe even make the qualifications for Roland-Garros”
What are your long-term goals and dreams?
I would of course like to win Grand Slams and be world number 1. The tournament that attracts me, even though I love Roland, is Australia. When I was little, I would wake up at 10am and have the night session there. I could watch, the atmosphere seemed super nice to me and the court looks amazing.
Regarding Roland-Garros, you still won 2 matches in the Junior table for your first Roland. How did that happen ? What conclusions did you draw from your Roland?
I arrived at Roland with a very good summer. I had some good wins so I arrived like any tournament. I pass my first two laps, including the 2e round against number 9, it was two very good games and then I ran into a friend (Sean Cuenin) and it didn’t go too well for me. I think I come out with more experience and being happy. I loved it, it was great and a first Grand Slam will not be forgotten.
And you didn’t regret that it was a special Roland-Garros, without an audience?
For a first Roland, it was weird. There must have been 100 people on my second round, big max. Afterwards, when you’re focused, it doesn’t bother too much.
Maybe that released you from some pressure?
So no, I’m not necessarily a guy who puts pressure on me apart from the good stress before the meeting. I had no pressure on that. I only have the adrenaline before the game.
What can we wish you for 2021?
I would like to win a $ 15,000 at the start of 2021 and maybe even make the qualifications for Roland-Garros.
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