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Patrick McEnroe Shares Views on Arthur Fils’ Chances to Win a Grand Slam

Arthur Fils stands out as France’s top prospect to claim a Grand Slam singles title. The last French player to win a major was Marion Bartoli, who triumphed at Wimbledon in 2013. For French men, the wait has been even longer, with Yannick Noah capturing Roland Garros 43 years ago.

Currently ranked seventh worldwide, Fils has enjoyed a breakthrough season. He clinched his first Masters 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open and secured qualification for this year’s ATP Finals. At just 22, expectations are high for what he might achieve.

Patrick McEnroe Backs Fils’ Grand Slam Potential

Grand Slam doubles winner Patrick McEnroe shared his thoughts on Fils during an interview with Tennis Actu TV. Despite Fils’ struggles with injuries, including a stress fracture in his lower back that kept him off the court for nine months, McEnroe believes the young Frenchman can win a major if he stays healthy.

I like him a lot, he is an excellent player. I hope he can play all the time because he has been injured for a long time, but if he can play during the season I believe he can win a Grand Slam.

McEnroe also weighed in on the ATP Finals, where Fils became the first Frenchman to qualify since Gael Monfils in 2026.

It’s only the top eight players from the world. It’s very special for the players and the elite of everyone. I think both are very difficult, but maybe the Grand Slams [are bigger] because there’s a lot of pressure and a lot of weeks. Still, it’s very difficult to win the Tour Finals too.

Fils’ Performance in Grand Slam Tournaments

Although Fils broke into the top 10 and won notable titles like Cincinnati and Barcelona this year, he has yet to make a deep run at a major. His best Grand Slam result came at Wimbledon in 2024, reaching the fourth round. The Australian Open and Roland Garros are where he holds his best win-loss records, each at 60% wins, but he hasn't advanced past the third round in those events.

The 2026 season proved tough for Fils in majors due to injuries; he missed the Australian Open and Roland Garros and managed only one Grand Slam match win at Wimbledon, exiting in the second round. He fell in the first round at the US Open.

  • Australian Open: 3-2 (60%), Third Round (2025), Did not play (2026)
  • Roland Garros: 3-2 (60%), Third Round (2025), Did not play (2026)
  • Wimbledon: 4-3 (57.1%), Fourth Round (2024), Second Round (2026)
  • US Open: 2-3 (40%), Second Round (2023 & 2024), First Round (2026)

Fils will have to wait until next year’s Australian Open to improve his Grand Slam record. For now, his focus is on the Paris Masters and finishing the season strong at the ATP Finals.

Upcoming Matches and Rivalries

After winning his opening Paris Masters match against Tomas Machac, Fils is set to face Taylor Fritz. Both players aim to secure spots at the ATP Finals, and their head-to-head record stands evenly at one win each.

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