Arthur Fils overcomes Frances Tiafoe to secure Cincinnati Open title
Frenchman Arthur Fils has issued a major statement of intent ahead of the US Open by defeating Frances Tiafoe 6-3 1-6 6-0 to win the Cincinnati Open.
The 22-year-old secured the biggest title of his burgeoning career with a dominant final-set display in Ohio.
His victory over the home favourite ends a 12-year wait for a French champion at ATP Masters 1000 level.
The triumph also ensures he becomes only the third Black male player to capture a Masters 1000 crown, following in the footsteps of:
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who claimed titles in Paris and Canada
- Ben Shelton, a two-time Canadian Open champion
Rollercoaster final sets up decisive bagel
The 21st seed made a blistering start to the contest, establishing a quick 3-0 lead as he relentlessly attacked his opponent’s second serve.
He closed out the opening set in style with three consecutive aces to leave the American crowd stunned.
However, the 28-year-old Maryland native responded emphatically in the second set to force a dramatic decider.
Utilising his powerful forehand to pull his rival wide, the American secured two breaks of serve to rapidly level the match.
‘A ballet dancer’ on court
Momentum swung completely back to the European in the third set as mounting backhand errors plagued the home favourite.
Showcasing exceptional pace and court coverage, the Barcelona Open champion broke twice to race into an unassailable 4-0 advantage.
He ultimately sealed a final-set bagel after a gruelling baseline rally, improving his season record to 32-10 and rising to fifth in the ATP Live Race To Turin.
“That feels good. There’s a lot of training, a lot of sacrifice. To be able to win a title like this, it means a lot to me.”
Arthur Fils
“I don’t have any words to describe this. It feels so good. A little bit of relief as well.”
Former British number one Annabel Croft praised the youngster’s agility and resilience during the high-stakes encounter.
“He played flawless tennis in the first set but he regrouped so well in that final set and breath-taking movement to watch him courtside.”
Annabel Croft
“He’s so agile, he’s like a ballet dancer, and we saw every kind of shot that he could possibly come up with to win this title and to take on a home crowd as well.”