ROLEX PARIS MASTERS

October 31, 2023

Arthur Fils

Press Conference

D. ALTMAIER/A. Fils

6-2, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions in French.

Q. What's your take on the match? Was it technical hurdles from your opponent, or was it the match as a whole that was difficult to manage?

ARTHUR FILS: A bit of everything. The season as a whole, but my opponent played very well, as well.

I had some tough moments at first, and then I thought that it was dragging on. It was not easy. But there was a nice atmosphere. I enjoyed myself, even though it was very hard. And that's it.

Q. Did you feel 100% in shape?

ARTHUR FILS: Yes. I have no injury. Everything is all well, you know, but I feel tired, very tired. I feel some fatigue accrued month after month.

I'm trying to do my best to prepare for this tournament, you know. I really tried to up my game, but I felt tired. So I was less on my guard. I felt less energy.

It was an underwhelming performance.

Q. Is it more mental, the problem? Did you expect this, or are you surprised to be in such a state?

ARTHUR FILS: It's my first season, so no, I didn't expect that. It's true that I was tired from a mental point of view. I have gone through a lot of emotions throughout the season. It didn't help for today.

But I'm learning as I go along.

Q. Maybe the fact that you announce your change of coach and the draw, everything put a toll on you?

ARTHUR FILS: No.

Q. Is your goal rather to win in Metz? Are you going to play in Metz?

ARTHUR FILS: Huh. Are you really asking the question? I won't be able to go to Metz, unfortunately. It's a beautiful tournament, but it's not possible.

I'm too worn out. I have nothing to give anymore.

Q. I know it's your first season, but when you see the others doing that for decades playing match after match, don't you think, Oh, my God, they're crazy or do you feel you can do it as well?

ARTHUR FILS: No, I think I can do it. But it was too hard for a first season. It was hard. The other players are very good, and I know I will manage to do that next year and the years after. I need to acquire experience.

Q. How did you experience the arrival in the court in front of this public, or was it okay?

ARTHUR FILS: No, everything was fun. It was fine. I had a headset on my ears.

Q. We felt that you were a bit paralyzed by fear.

ARTHUR FILS: No, I was very happy. I was delighted to be on court. I just felt tired, exhausted.

It was hard for me to move around. It was hard for me to hit the ball. Everything went slower.

But I already had this feeling last week and the weeks before. I felt that it was getting harder.

Today it was even worse (smiling).