Breakthrough for the Frenchman who returned to the tour this year after a 7-month absence. The adjustments he made: “No pastries”

Arthur Fils (21, world No. 31) has reached his first-ever Masters 1000 semifinal, dramatically defeating Tommy Paul (28, world No. 23) with a 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (6) scoreline, saving four match points in the process. The Frenchman has also made significant dietary changes, including cutting out pastries.

The award for the most dramatic match at the 2026 Miami Masters 1000 tournament undoubtedly goes to the quarterfinal clash between Arthur Fils and Tommy Paul. Spanning two hours and 47 minutes, the encounter saw no breaks of serve. The American saved the only break point he faced, while the Frenchman fended off all six opportunities his opponent had.

Furthermore, Fils clawed back from four match points against Paul, celebrating wildly at the end as the scoreboard displayed 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (6) in his favor.

“I have a lot of emotions right now, and I had to deal with many emotions throughout the match. I think Tommy played better than me in all three sets, but I found the energy to come back,” Fils stated in his on-court interview, still buzzing with adrenaline.

“It was a fierce battle; I wouldn't have regretted anything if I had lost because I gave my all on the court. Only one could win, and I preferred it to be me. This is the best result of my career, and I feel I'm close to my peak level, but I want more,” added Fils, who has now reached his first Masters 1000 semifinal.

He also spoke about the difficult situation he faced. “When I was down four match points, I told myself I had to take each point one at a time, and if I lost, it wouldn't be the end of the world because Paul was playing at an impressive level,” he explained.

“The match was insane; it was impossible to get a break. I think my team gave me the energy needed to win this match. Now I feel very tired, my legs are hurting, but winning will motivate me to recover,” assured the Frenchman, who will face Czech Jiri Lehecka (24, world No. 22) for a spot in the final. This marks Lehecka's second Masters 1000 semifinal, following his run at Madrid 2024.

Arthur was absent from the tour between late July 2025 and early February 2026, due to a stress fracture in his back sustained at Roland Garros. This meant nearly 7 months of waiting, but also of changes and adjustments.

“Now I travel with my physiotherapist,” the Frenchman revealed to ATP. “I think that's already a big change because I get a lot of treatment, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening as well,” he added. “I changed my technique, I changed my serve a bit, I changed how I move on court, and my forehand a little.”

He emphasized that the major changes were on the physical side and that he now takes better care of his body. “Before, I didn't think like that. I used to tell myself: ‘OK, I'm young, it's fine, I can handle everything.’ But my back didn't agree.”

Changes also extended to his nutrition. “I used to eat a lot of pastries,” Arthur confessed. “Now I can't, but I feel much better.”

Indian Wells was particularly challenging because chocolate chip cookies are always available in the locker room. “Those are what I miss the most, but I haven't touched them. Quite impressive,” concluded Fils, the player who reached the Miami semifinals without dropping his serve.