Arthur Fils withdraws from Roland Garros due to injury
- Arthur Fils triumphed in a five-set match against Jaume Munar at Roland Garros despite suffering a back injury.
- His victory marked a significant milestone as he reached the third round for the first time in his career.
- Sadly, he had to withdraw from the next round due to medical advice, prolonging France's wait for a men's champion.
In France, at the prestigious Roland Garros, 20-year-old Arthur Fils faced a challenging match against Spain’s Jaume Munar. Despite struggling with a back injury, Fils fought valiantly through a five-set thriller that lasted almost four and a half hours. He initially led the match, winning the first two sets in tiebreaks, but Munar rallied back, winning the next two sets without losing a game. Fils, however, found his drive and turned the match around one last time, edging a victory in the fifth set. The emotional journey culminated in a celebration where Fils ripped off his shirt in front of his home crowd. Unfortunately, the physical toll of the match took its toll on him, leading to a withdrawal ahead of the third round against Andrey Rublev. Fils acknowledged the medical advice received, stating it was a difficult but necessary decision. His withdrawal is significant as it extends the wait for France to produce a men’s champion at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah in 1983. Fils's performance garnered attention not only for his skill but for his spirit and determination, inspired by his idol Gael Monfils, who also faced considerable trials in his own matches. The event highlights the unpredictability of physical endurance and competitiveness in professional tennis, especially within the demanding environment of a Grand Slam tournament.