It was his first big match at Bercy. After a great battle, the 20-year-old from Ile-de-France Arthur Fils fell, in an atmosphere of madness on the center court of the Accor Arena, against world number 3 Alexander Zverev. Defeat in three tight sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-3) in the round of 16 of the Rolex Paris Masters.
The native of Bondoufle (Essonne) ended up paying for his very poor start to the match. Yet carried by a public in trance, and his friend Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his box, Arthur Fils remained unanswered for a long time. Jostled during the exchange by the regularity of Zverev, the French hope often lowered his head, dragging his frustration towards his coach Sébastien Grosjean at the end of a first set lost too easily (4-6).
Third set under extreme tension
The start of the second round didn’t bode well either. Two first service games saved at the last minute with two break points saved and a German a little too tender in front. But like the good showman that he is, it only took a slightly tense challenge for his opponent, a few whistles from the public, and some wasted challenges, to put him back in the saddle. A white break to take him to 3-1 and make him show his muscles, before already sending him to win the second set (6-3).
Bad under pressure, “Sasha” Zverev found himself in the worst possible situation. An audience against him and a Frenchman in meltdown on the center court. But it was he who showed himself to be the most solid. While Arthur Fils was needlessly arguing with the chair umpire, the German took the opportunity to take the lead (3-1), before showing his weaknesses again when the end of the match approached. With three break points in the last game, Fils had the opportunity to recover but Zverev held on. Like a world number 3.
Earlier in the day, Adrian Mannarino may also be harboring secrets after missing his two ends of sets against Australian Jordan Thompson, 28th in the world (7-5, 7-6).
