Arthur Fils has always believed he was on the path to the very top of his chosen sport. Even when others considered him too young, too green or far too self-confident, he has entered the biggest tournaments in the world with the intention of winning them, ambitions he did not hesitate to express.
On a historic afternoon in Mason, Ohio, Fils took an huge step forward in pursuit of those massive goals as the 22-year-old became a Masters 1000 champion for the first time in his young career. His greatest achievement was secured with a supreme mental effort under pressure as the Frenchman dragged himself back into contention after a desperate second set, recovering to defeat Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 and win the Cincinnati Open.
