Monfils Backs Fils for Grand Slam Success

Gael Monfils believes his fellow Frenchman Arthur Fils now has the potential to win a Grand Slam title. Monfils shared this assessment during his pre-tournament press conference at the US Open.

Monfils, who will retire at the end of the 2026 season, is playing his final Grand Slam at this year's US Open after receiving a wildcard. For the 22-year-old Fils, who just won the Cincinnati Open, it is just the beginning.

Monfils on Fils's Development

Monfils reflected on his long-standing relationship with Fils, which began when the younger player was a teenager. "When I met him he was a really young man, a kid," Monfils said. "Maybe 15 or 16 something like that." He recalled their first practice session at Roland Garros when Fils was 16 or 17. The pair have grown close, sharing moments on and off the court. Monfils has always offered his support.

Now, Monfils sees Fils entering a new phase of understanding. "I feel like he is starting to understand definitely the tour, because he’s been playing for, what, three, four years now on the tour," Monfils added. He noted that Fils has recovered strongly from his first significant injury and is gaining belief. This is reflected in the latest standings, where Fils sits at world number 11.

Monfils stated that Fils possesses "very, very high potential" to advance further, particularly in Masters 1000 events. He directly addressed the question of Grand Slam success. "I think he has a chance, of course, to crack a Slam," Monfils said.

The Challenge at the US Open

Fils arrives in New York with momentum, having just captured his first Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati. History is on his side, as the last three Cincinnati Open champions have gone on to win the US Open. However, he faces immediate and significant hurdles.

His first-round match is against two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. Fils can take confidence from a perfect 5-0 lead in their head-to-head record. Looking deeper into the draw, his potential path is daunting. Possible opponents in his half include Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton.

The biggest challenge for Fils may be his own Grand Slam record. He has never progressed beyond the fourth round at any major. At the US Open, his best result is a second-round appearance. His quest to change that begins against Tsitsipas on Monday, August 31. Fans can follow this and other key fixtures as the tournament unfolds.

A Frenchman has not won a Grand Slam singles title since Yannick Noah's victory at Roland Garros in 1983. Monfils, who was unable to end that drought in his own career, now sees a genuine opportunity for his compatriot to succeed where he did not.