Former world No. 10 Thierry Tulasne has offered high praise for top-ranked French tennis player Arthur Fils. He stated that only Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner currently sit above the world No. 9 in long-term potential for the top global ranking. Tulasne’s evaluation underscores the rapid ascent of the 22-year-old French star as he continues to make waves on the professional tour.
The endorsement comes as Fils competes at the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo. After advancing through the qualifying rounds following an administrative entry error, Fils secured a solid first-round main draw victory over compatriot Luca Van Assche with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-2.
Rapid Progression and Mental Evolution
Tulasne, who currently coaches Harold Mayot and won the Barcelona title in 1985, noted that Fils has achieved a career-high ranking despite playing a limited schedule this season. Speaking previously with L’Équipe during notable runs on tour, Tulasne highlighted how quickly the young Frenchman recovered his form following an injury layoff.
“It’s impressive to see how quickly Arthur has regained his level, or even better, because I think he has improved since his break due to injury a year ago, especially on serve,” Tulasne told L’Équipe. “The doubts he may have had during that break might have allowed him to find a balance between a confidence that’s always present and a certain humility. He maintains the right attitude and shows that he’s never afraid.”
Observers have pointed to this fearlessness as a core attribute of Fils’ game, allowing him to turn matches around in high-pressure situations. While Fils has yet to advance past the fourth round at a Grand Slam tournament, his technical improvements-particularly in his service game-and psychological resilience have positioned him as a leader for the future of French tennis.
Chasing Elite Company: Sinner and Alcaraz
As the tennis calendar progresses, expectations surrounding Fils continue to scale upward. Tulasne emphasized that the young Frenchman possesses the necessary tools to challenge the current elite tier of men’s tennis.
“Honestly, I think he’s capable of competing with everyone,” Tulasne added. “I’m eager to see him face Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.”
With consistent performances on both hard courts and clay, Arthur Fils is steadily proving that his veteran supporters’ high expectations are grounded in reality. As he navigates the demands of the ATP Tour, his trajectory suggests a sustained presence at the top of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur Fils
What is Arthur Fils’ current ranking?
Arthur Fils is currently ranked as the top French tennis player, sitting inside the world’s top 10 at world No. 9.
What did Thierry Tulasne say about Arthur Fils?
Former world No. 10 Thierry Tulasne praised Arthur Fils’ long-term potential, stating that only Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner sit above him in the race for the world’s top ranking.
Has Arthur Fils won any major titles?
While Fils has established himself as a fierce competitor on the ATP Tour with strong runs at ATP 500 and Masters 1000 events, he is still pursuing his first Grand Slam title, having reached the fourth round at major tournaments.
Who does Thierry Tulasne currently coach?
Thierry Tulasne currently serves as the coach of French professional tennis player Harold Mayot.
