Cincinnati Open: Arthur Fils storms past Frances Tiafoe to win maiden Masters 1000 title
Cincinnati, August 24
Arthur Fils produced a dominant performance in the deciding set to defeat Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 in the Cincinnati Open men's singles final on Sunday, securing the biggest title of his career and his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown, according to ATP website.
The 22-year-old Frenchman overcame a strong fightback from home favourite Tiafoe to claim the victory and secure his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title. Fils converted four of his eight break-point opportunities and dominated the deciding set to end France's 12-year wait for a Masters 1000 champion.
Fils arrived in Cincinnati after reaching the semi-finals in Miami and Madrid earlier this season. After beating World No.10 Flavio Cobolli in the semi-finals, he used his powerful forehand effectively against Tiafoe to win the first and third sets and become the second player born in 2004 or later to claim a Masters 1000 title, after Jakub Mensik in Miami in 2025, according to the ATP website.
Fils made a strong start to his first Masters 1000 final, quickly taking a 3-0 lead and winning the opening set 6-3 without facing a break point. Tiafoe responded in the second set, racing to a 3-0 lead and levelling the match with a 6-1 set. Fils then regained control in the decider, dominating with his powerful forehand and winning 6-0. After missing two match points, he converted his third chance to secure his fifth ATP Tour title.
After the match, Fils said the victory meant a lot after the hard work, sacrifices and injury setbacks he had endured. He admitted he lost focus in the second set but regained his composure by reminding himself to keep fighting and not let his level drop, while also crediting his coach for helping him turn the match around, according to ATP website.
"Wow, that feels good. That feels good. It's a lot of training, a lot of things, a lot of sacrifice. Injury. To be able to win one title like this means a lot to me," he said.
"It was tough, because I started very, very strong, and then in the second set I lost a little bit of focus. He played unbelievable and put me under pressure. I had a small talk with myself in the toilet. I looked at myself in the mirror and said, 'Man, even if you have to lose, you're not going to get worse. So you need to fight and you need to find a way.' My coach [also] told me a couple of things, and here we are," he said.
— ANI
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