ROLAND GARROS

May 29, 2023

Arthur Fils

Press Conference

A. DAVIDOVICH FOKINA/A. Fils

6-1, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3

Q. I think there were very good moments and very good things in this match. Are there things you would have liked to do better at some moments?

ARTHUR FILS: Well, it was quite a complicated match. I think it was tough for me in the first set, and he played a great first set. You know, there were lots of ups and downs and level differences.

He played a great match, and by far he is the best player I've played on clay. I wasn't good enough. I didn't play a good match. It was quiet average on everything I've done today. I'm just taking that as a learning curve.

The third set was 4-0, and it went by fast. At the end of the fourth one as well. A lot of lessons to learn.

Q. It's surprising because you've got regrets, but you were really close from pushing him to a fifth set. He is someone who is a very good player on clay, and he has beaten a lot of good players on clay, so maybe you could have learned lessons and be more positive?

ARTHUR FILS: Well, it's always frustrating whether the guy is ranked 1,000 or 5. So, you know, it doesn't really make a difference, but maybe I'll see the difference tonight, and I'll have a clearer vision tonight.

Q. So that was your first experience on a big court here at the French Open, and there were a lot of people in the crowd, so the atmosphere was great and especially during the fourth.

ARTHUR FILS: Yes, it's a great feeling, and we play those kind of matches for that kind of atmosphere. As a French player playing here at the French Open, although it was short for me, you know, it's always a great experience. I hope I can play on big courts more often.

Q. Physically and the fact that you've played a final and won the final in Lyon and that you've played today, is something tough or is it not?

ARTHUR FILS: Well, of course, it was tough, but I was prepared for that, and I won't find myself any excuses. So the physical aspect didn't play a big part in the result.

Q. This possibility to break him in the third set, did it hurt you?

ARTHUR FILS: Well, your question is hurting me right now. Your question hurts. Well, you know, I've had the opportunities, and he got a little bit lucky. He touched the net cord, but I didn't think about that too much during the match. That was done, and then I moved on. You know, it didn't disturb me.

Q. Well, I think you had him on the ropes. He was making more mistakes. He was under pressure, and we had the feeling that you were on top of him.

ARTHUR FILS: Well, I had that feeling as well. I think that was a momentum shift at the end of the second and the end of the third, but that's where he was really good. He hung in there during the important points, and that's why he is such a good player.

I'm only starting, and my level is really low in that respect, but it doesn't matter. I'm learning.

Q. Luca is playing right now on court. We know you're really close. If you had to introduce him to other people and about his qualities and his potential, what would you say?

ARTHUR FILS: I'm sorry. I'm not going to answer that question. You know, you're talking to me about somebody else, and I'm not going to answer that question.

Q. What's next for you? Are you going to keep playing on clay, and do you have a little more visibility? Are you going to get some rest?

ARTHUR FILS: Well, I don't really know. I think I'm going to play on grass, and I'm going to prepare the quallies for Wimbledon. I'll see how it goes.